Steelers Assistant GM Andy Weidl has nothing but repsect for Dan Moore Jr.

Published August 9th, 12:12 EDT
by Bo Marchionte

Latrobe, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers moved up three spots to No. 14 in the 2023 NFL Draft to select former Georgia tackle Broderick Jones. When they elected to pull the trigger with the New England Patriots and move up from 17 to 14 the Steelers had a left tackle in Dan Moore Jr. on the roster.

A former fourth round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore Jr. quickly established himself by becoming the first Steelers rookie to start at left tackle since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Starting every single game at left tackle since he entered the league the drafting of Jones makes this a ‘camp battle’ from day one. However, Moore Jr. has approached it as a mentor, despite only entering his third season in the National Football League.

“(Mike) Tomlin always talks about what we are willing to do,” Moore Jr. said after morning practice. “Just be willing to help out a young guy who is trying to find his way. I remember being in that position and trying to get that guidance I feel like I wish I would have had.”

Moore Jr. and the rest of the offensive selflessly are always helping one another out and working long after the afternoon practices are over. Seeing Moore Jr. working with Jones is as common as watching the sun rise.

“Dan is a pro,” Steelers Assistant GM Andy Weidl told a group of local media. “He is a great guy, and we are lucky to have him. Fortunate to have him. Lucky to have him. Glad to have him. When you watch him out there and his willingness to share what he’s learned in this league with Broderick (Jones) is tremendous.

“I think that speaks about the offensive lineman. You see those guys working with each other every day. Afterwards when they are on the field. You see Dan working with Broderick. Issac (Semualo) working with the guards. Everyone is just trying to get everyone better and help each other out.”

Moore Jr. says the relationship between him and Jones also comes to their closeness in age. The pair are only separated by two years. So, they’re experiencing the league and life simultaneously as teammates, although vying for the same position for the Steelers.

“I feel like that closeness in relation to age might be another factor,” Moore Jr. said. “Just remembering so much of my rookie year. It kind of hits me a little more.”

So, “Big Dan” the name given to him by his teammates has turned out to be an unexpected starter of 33 games since his rookie season and a mentor to the Steelers first-round pick in 2023. That selfless act is that of a true professional and leader.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com