Derland Moore

College:Oklahoma

Position:Defensive tackle/Nose tackle

Height: 6'4" Weight:250

Born:October 7, 1951

Joined saints:NFL draft: 1973 / Round: 2 / Pick: 29

Years with Saints:1973-1985

Background: A consistently tough guy and maximum effort performer, Moore played with a fire that burned bright. He was durable, playing 170 games in 13 seasons with the Saints, eighth most in franchise history. He started 146 of those games, playing hurt frequently. In his 13 seasons with New Orleans, Moore played for four permanent head coaches and three Interim head coaches. He was always a team leader for the Saints. Sacks were not a permanent statistic that was kept until the early 1980's. Had the statistic been kept, Moore would have exceeded 40 in his career, perhaps as many as 50. Moore had a very quick first step, a burst that enabled him to deal with bigger offensive linemen. Moore had seven fumble recoveries and one interception with the Saints. He finished his 14-year career with the New York Jets in 1986. Greatest Moment: It was the season opener in 1983. The Saints were a promising team, coming off of a 4-5 season, with an elite running game, led by George Rogers and a hard-hitting defense. The Saints hosted the St. Louis Cardinals on Sept. 4. "I grew up in Poplar Bluff and so did Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart," Moore said. "He was a hero of mine. I was fortunate to sack him and when I did, I asked him if he was okay and he laughed." Moore was in on seven tackles, Rogers rushed 24 times for 206 yards and two touchdowns and the Saints won 28-17 en route to an 8-8 season. Honors: Moore was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 1991. He was also inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.