From Lakewood to L.A.: Local coach achieves NFL dream

Lakewood High School football coach Cory Moore often says his students can “legitimately have the stuff you dream about” through hard work and determination. He is now proof. 

Moore has accepted a full-time scouting position with the Los Angeles Rams after 17 years of building a powerhouse football program – and shaping young men – at the South St. Petersburg school. His last day at his alma mater is June 1. 

Moore has an undeniable eye for talent, churning out over a dozen NFL players and compiling a 130-69 record since joining Lakewood in 2008. He is now “1,000% indebted” to Rams general manager Les Snead for the opportunity of a lifetime. 

“That phone call has changed my life,” Moore told the Catalyst during a conversation this week in the Lakewood gymnasium. “It’s opened doors to elevate myself, but also gives some hope to other young men and coaches that dreams are really possible if you do your part.” 

Coach Cory Moore and his Lakewood High School Spartans did not lose to another Pinellas County team between 2019 and 2022. Photo provided.

Less than 20% of all NFL coaches are Black, despite the demographic accounting for over 50% of all players. Moore’s relationship with the Rams began in 2020 when the franchise launched an apprenticeship program to address those disparities. 

Snead has said the initiative provided “access and opportunity to many talented, aspiring minority scouts and player evaluators.” Moore also participated in the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2012). 

Moore’s resume is extensive. He coached Lakewood through 21 playoff wins and, from 2019 through 2022, did not lose to another Pinellas County team. 

Lakewood earned seven district championships, six regional championships and was the 5A state runner-up four times with Moore on the sidelines. He is a two-time county coach of the year, two-time state coach of the year and received a Super Bowl ring with the Rams in 2022. 

However, Moore said his greatest accomplishment is watching young men realize they can accomplish things they never thought possible due to self-doubt or outside influences. “That’s bigger than any ring.” 

“That’s bigger than any championship because that’s generational,” Moore continued. “They’re going to be a different dad, a different person in the community. Trophies get dust on them.” 

Coach Cory Moore won a Super Bowl ring in 2022 as a part-time scout for the Los Angeles Rams. Photo provided.

Moore was one of those kids in the early 1990s at Lakewood. He had a stuttering problem and self-esteem issues and now feels at ease addressing NFL leadership. 

Moore frequently tells students that the only box keeping them from their goals is the one they make for themselves. “If you can control the things you can control, I just believe that the good Lord will give you an opportunity to make that stride.” 

The interview frequently paused so Moore could speak with passing students. He subsequently offered insight into their backgrounds and journeys. 

“Their smiles,” Moore quickly answered when asked what he would miss the most about Lakewood. He also values watching their progression from freshmen to  seniors. 

Moore recalled kids who did not care about grades becoming fixtures on the dean’s list. And a young man who never spoke eventually campaigning for the student government. 

“I like to joke and make them laugh, make them understand there’s nothing wrong with smiling,” Moore said. “There’s nothing wrong with shaking hands, hugging each other and being legitimately happy for someone else’s success.” 

NFL standouts who came through Moore’s system include Dante Fowler, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, and Shaquell and Shaquem Griffin. Most importantly, over 400 former players have moved on to college since 2008. 

Moore believes the Rams appreciated his work ethic. The full-time prep coach and teacher also scouted part-time for the franchise since 2021 while remaining a fixture in the community and his church. 

“I’ve just been blessed with a way to connect with people,” he said. “To communicate with people through so many (football) summer camps … all over the country. You really can’t afford them, but you find a way to get there to volunteer and make some connections.” 

Coaching at Lakewood was a “really, really big deal” for Moore, who grew up watching former NFL legends like William Floyd (Lakewood Class of 1990) don the black and gold. His sister won a state basketball championship at the school; Moore was the water boy. 

He felt responsible for leading the program in the right direction “because it meant more than a job.” Moore has had numerous opportunities to coach in college, but none were the “right fit.” 

He also wanted to set a foundation so that “it doesn’t really matter who comes in after me.” Moore has groomed his assistant coaches for this moment. 

Moore will mostly work remotely for the Rams, scouting players and helping identify and develop talent in the Tampa Bay area. He will remain in the community and continue inspiring kids growing up in South St. Pete. 

“A handshake or a hug can change a kid’s whole trajectory,” Moore said. “I always want to continue to remind them that they’re not invisible. A lot of times, they want attention by any means necessary. 

“You don’t have to plant seeds every time – sometimes you just need to water them.”