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From 1963 through 1968, Derland Moore was a football player who eventually became a star for the Poplar Bluff Mules in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. 42 years later, the school has not forgotten.

The former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman will have the football field at Poplar Bluff named after him at a ceremony on October 8.

A native of Malden, Missouri, which is about 30 miles from Poplar Bluff, Moore attended Poplar Bluff starting in seventh grade.

"I played football and was a shot-put guy in track and field. That's what got me to school. Isn't it crazy how some things turn out?" said Moore. "We were the Mules and I was a mule," laughed Moore.

"I can't believe that they are doing this 24 years after my football career ended and 42 years after I left school. I truly believe that they wouldn't have done this had the Saints not won the Super Bowl. I am humbled by the honor and deeply appreciate it," Moore said.

Derland went on to play college football at Oklahoma before being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 1973 NFL draft. Moore was named as one of the top 100 Sooners in Oklahoma University football history.

Moore maintains a home in Mandeville and splits time between the north shore and Poplar Bluff. Like many former Saints players, he cherished the magical run to the Super Bowl by the Saints last season.

"I was so happy for the Saints and the people of New Orleans. We have the best coach in the business in Sean Payton. He is a true person. He gives back to the community."

Moore is so happy for his former teammate, Rickey Jackson making it into the NFL Hall of Fame. Moore and Jackson were Saints teammates from 1981 through 1985 under Bum Phillips and Wade Phillips.

"Rickey deserves it. He was a great player. I remember when he first got to New Orleans. In his first year at practice, our offense ran a quick slant. I heard this car crash behind me. The receiver looked like Beetle Bailey after Sergeant Snorkel got through beating on him, like his shoe stepped on him. It was a hit by Rickey.

That guy was born to play football. He was so tough, such a good player. I could not be happier for him," said Moore, who played 13 seasons with the Saints from 1973 through 1985.

In 1991, Moore was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame Museum. He ranks eighth in games played in New Orleans history with 170.

Moore was a Pro Bowl selection in 1983 is a member of the All-time team in New Orleans Saints history as selected by the Saints Hall of Fame Media Selection Committee for the first 40 years in franchise history.

Moore is also a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Moore will be appearing at the Saints Hall of Fame Museum, located at Gate B on the Plaza Level of the Louisiana Superdome on Sunday, September 26 from 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m., prior to the New Orleans Saints game with the Atlanta Falcons.

On October 8, the mule returns to the barn in Poplar Bluff. Derland Moore pulled his weight at Poplar Bluff, Oklahoma and with the New Orleans Saints.
Poplar Bluff High names field after former Saints defensive lineman Derland Moore

skymike

That is outstanding. Derland Moore should get a little piece of the Super Bowl celebration too. He was a bright spot here.

I know where Poplar Bluff is. Nobody else on earth will remember a song that mentions it.

Euphoria

Winning SB's gives the organization cred finally.

I think Payton can run for President... or become an Astronaut. Wait, we already had that happen to us and it wasn't good. You long time Saints fans know what I am talking about don't ya!?!

HouYat

Of course we do! No more astronauts!

skymike

I dont know that story, Yat.