He is a team captain, but even captains have moments where emotions run high.
Malachi Moore is an Alabama native. All he has ever known is Crimson Tide so he wears it everywhere.
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It is on his heart, his face, his uniform, and in his emotions. A fifth-year senior, all Moore wants is a second national championship ring to join the one he earned in the 2020 season as a true freshman. He came back to help Kalen DeBoer capture a national title, regardless of Nick Saban’s decision to retire in January. Moore is passionate about the program and he hates losing.
His passion led him to act out of character over the weekend as the Tide suffered a shocking, 35-40 loss to Vanderbilt.
Moore was flagged for an unsportsmanlike personal foul late in the fourth quarter. He kicked the football after the official set it down and shoved a Vanderbilt player. Moore was much better when he entered the locker room, owning up to his actions.
His teammates unveiled what led to his frustration in the post game interview for players.
“Malachi gives everything,” Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson said. “He gives everything he has every day. He is been doing this … this is his fifth year. It hurts him more. It hurt me to see him like that because that is my brother, and I just think like was there anything I could have done throughout the week or even in the game to make a play or help our team win. I told him in the locker room just to keep going. We have a long season ahead of us and all our goals are right in place.”
Que Robinson, a senior linebacker, said what Moore did was ‘unacceptable.’
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“We definitely have to talk to him about his attitude on the field,” Robinson said. “He was calm in the locker room, so he was able to continue to be the leader he has always been.”
Tim Keenan III, a junior defensive lineman, said his message to Moore was ‘keep your cool.’
“I understand stuff is going on, but you have to keep your cool,” Keenan said. “I did not say anything out of the ordinary. I know Malachi and it had to be something going on. I am still behind him 100 percent.”
Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s starting quarterback, said he believes in Moore.
“I think, for all of us, we put our all into the game of football,” Milroe said.
“It is something that becomes a part of the game. I trust Malachi. I think he is a tremendous leader, he pours everything into this program, and so coming into this game all we wanted to do is be victorious. We have to embrace our wins as we take our losses.”
Moore looks to be better this week as Alabama returns home to face South Carolina.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
