Jared Moorer

At the start of my sophomore year at Tulane University, I tore my ACL during football practice.Six months into recovery, I re-tore the same knee and required another surgery — keeping me off the field for two full seasons. For many athletes, injuries like these can feel like the end. They lose their connection to the sport, to their teammates, and sometimes, to themselves.

But I didn’t let that happen. I made the decision to fight. I used that time not just to heal physically, but to grow mentally and emotionally. I stayed on top of my academics, maintained a 3.0 GPA, and spent hours in rehab every week. On top of that, I poured myself into learning our playbook and understanding our system inside and out. I wanted to be ready for the moment I stepped back on the field and I wanted to make sure I was helping my team however I could until that day came.

My work ethic and leadership didn’t go unnoticed. Coaches and players saw the energy and preparation I brought every day, even while injured. They asked me to step into a coaching role helping lead and mentor players, including those in the very same position group I played in. Coaching peers and teammates who were my age and competing for the same spots showed the level of trust and respect they had for me. It’s one thing to lead from a position of power; it’s another to lead from within the grind and still earn the locker room’s belief.

I took the coaching opportunity head-on. I studied film, broke down schemes, and led by example with attention to detail, discipline, and communication. I learned that great leaders don’t just talk they connect. I made the effort to build individual relationships with every player I coached so when accountability was needed, it came from a place of respect and trust. I also learned the value of doing the little things behind the scenes the "dirty work" that often goes unnoticed but separates average teams from great ones. Most importantly, I embraced the truth that a team is only as strong as its weakest link, and that means holding everyone including myself to the highest standard.

Despite my injury, I traveled to every game with the team. My presence wasn’t symbolic it was impactful. Coaches, players, and staff knew I added value even without putting on pads. And after two years of setbacks, I finally made the comeback I had dreamed of. I got back on the field, played my final season, and finished my career with the pride of knowing I’d earned everything through persistence, humility, and relentless work.

But my journey didn’t stop there.

Now, having completed my playing career, I’ve remained with the program as part of the coaching staff continuing to help lead and develop the next generation of players. My mission now is to help our team win a championship. I know what it takes to overcome adversity, to push past limits, and to bring out the best in others. Whether I’m wearing a jersey or holding a clipboard, I bring the same mindset: lead by example, build people up, and do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.

As a student-athlete at Tulane University, I learned early on that pursuing my dreams both on the field and in the classroom would require a level of discipline and time management that few truly understand. Balancing a full academic course load with practices, film sessions, extra workouts, and travel was a daily challenge but one I embraced with focus and determination. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree and maintained a 3.0 GPA while dedicating countless hours to my athletic development.

There were many ups and downs. At times, I didn’t receive the playing time I hoped for, and injuries tested both my physical and mental toughness. But I never let those setbacks define me. I continued to show up every single day, fully prepared, with the same energy and effort regardless of my role. I knew that consistency and perseverance would pay off if not in immediate results, then in the respect I earned from my teammates and coaches.

Leadership wasn’t just about being vocal. I led by example. Whether it was being the first to arrive at practice, fully prepared for meetings, or pushing through extra conditioning sessions, I made sure my actions matched my words. My teammates looked to me not because I demanded attention, but because I consistently demonstrated commitment. I understood that leadership also meant holding others accountable, and doing so in a way that showed I cared. I built real relationships with my teammates, so when I challenged them, it came from a place of mutual respect and trust.

Even during a season when I didn’t secure the starting job and battled injuries, my teammates still voted for me as a leader on the team. That meant everything to me. It validated the work I put in behind the scenes, the motivation I brought every day, and the belief I had in doing things the right way, consistently, selflessly, and with heart.

Being a student-athlete at Tulane taught me how to manage time under pressure, stay focused through adversity, and lead with both accountability and empathy. Those lessons will stay with me for life.

One of my longtime mentors — a former middle school coach who has stayed in my corner throughout my journey — saw early on that I had strong potential beyond just athletics. He recognized my discipline, time management, and leadership abilities, and when the opportunity came, he invited me to help him out during the summer at his job as an insurance agent with United Insurance Corporation.

That summer, I stepped into a support role where I helped handle a variety of behind-the-scenes tasks, both in and out of the office, so he could focus more fully on his core responsibilities and maximize his workdays. Whether it was organizing documents, handling small errands, or charting daily deals, I quickly learned how important it is to be detail-oriented, reliable, and proactive in a fast-paced business environment.

Beyond the administrative side, I also gained valuable insight into the world of sales and customer communication. I closely observed how he used persuasive, confident, and affirming language to close deals — a skill set that stuck with me and expanded my understanding of what effective communication looks like in professional settings. Being exposed to this environment taught me how to balance the small, tedious tasks with the big-picture goals — a mindset that aligns well with my experience as both a student-athlete and a leader.

That opportunity helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. It showed me how transferable the lessons from sports — like preparation, accountability, and team support — really are in the professional world. Whether on the field, in the office, or in any leadership setting, the small things matter — and doing them well makes a big difference.

During my summers back home, I also worked closely with my father, helping him coach youth football teams. That experience taught me not only how to work with kids of all ages and skill levels, but also how to communicate with their parents to create a strong, supportive environment. I learned the importance of making the experience fun and exciting for the kids, while also teaching them the core values of discipline, respect, time management, emotional control, behavior, and what it means to be a winner, both on and off the field.

Helping shape young minds gave me a deeper sense of responsibility. It made me hold myself to a higher standard because I saw firsthand how much of an influence I had just by being a positive presence in their lives as a college athlete. I recognized the power of setting the right example.

These experiences also taught me how to keep people engaged, especially those with short attention spans. Whether in tutoring sessions or on the practice field, I had to find creative, hands-on, and fun ways to teach and reinforce important concepts. It helped me grow not only as a mentor, but also as a communicator and leader.

In the end, working with youth didn’t just impact them; it shaped me. It strengthened my leadership, deepened my empathy, and reminded me that real influence comes from showing up, doing the work, and leading with heart.

As a Sales Representative at a sneaker and designer shoe store, my main responsibility was selling high-demand footwear, including Jordans, Nikes, and luxury brands. While I wasn't responsible for buying inventory for the store, I worked closely with the shoes that were brought in, helping customers find and purchase the styles they were looking for.

I regularly assisted customers by providing detailed information about product condition, sizing, and current market trends. I also helped maintain the presentation and organization of the store’s inventory, making sure items were accurately displayed, and easy to shop. My role required strong product knowledge, customer service skills, and the ability to build rapport with a clientele passionate about sneaker culture and designer fashion.