Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 18, 1994 TAG: 9408180106
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: GREELEY, COLO. LENGTH: Medium
Moore, from Martinsville, Va., had told the Rocky Mountain News he didn't expect to have a roster spot when the Broncos open the NFL's regular season Sept.4 at Mile High Stadium against the San Diego Chargers. The reasons: time and money.
Moore, who was Denver's 11th-round draft pick in 1991 out of Virginia, did not see action in 1993 after winning the third-string quarterback job in training camp. He saw few minutes on the field during the preseason this year.
For Sunday's game with Dallas, offensive coordinator Jim Fassel had said he wanted to take a long look at quarterback Hugh Millen, meaning Moore likely wouldn't have played.
Tommy Maddox is positioned to play behind John Elway.
``They sign Hugh [Millen], and it's, `Oh, Tommy Maddox has competition at the backup level.' ... he would have had competition last year if I had a couple of chances to play,'' Moore said.
Moore had predicted his $273,000 salary would be one reason the Broncos would cut him. With bonuses, Moore's salary would count for $301,500 against the cap.
``Let's just be realistic,'' Moore said. ``Millen signed for minimum wage [$162,000]. I'm scheduled to make a little bit more than $270,000, which is [nearly] double what he makes.
``The third quarterback is probably not going to play, anyway. Why keep a guy that's making over $300,000 over a guy that's making $162,000.''
Moore said he spoke with Broncos officials before training camp and was told he would be given every opportunity to win a job. Coach Wade Phillips said he believed the team had been fair.
Once dubbed a game player because he performed better in games than in practice, Moore said he is improving on both fields. Still, there always seemed to be someone ahead of him on the Broncos' depth chart.
Moore is tired of it.
``There are 27 other teams, and hopefully there's somebody I can play for,'' said Moore, who indicated last year he would like to play for the expansion Carolina Panthers, who enter the league in 1995. ``I have confidence in my ability to play in the league. I know I can play in this league.''
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB