Rahim Moore was thrilled.
Moore (6-1, 195), who had been through his share of adversity, envisioned himself in a Texans jersey before he even signed his paperwork.
"When I found out the Texans wanted me, I immediately said, 'I wanted to be a Texan,'" Moore said Thursday at NRG Stadium. "I told everyone. I was telling people I was going to be a Texan before I even came up here."
The Texans newly-signed safety was grateful to be standing, let alone playing the game he loved. Just over a year ago, Moore considered retirement after suffering an injury that could have resulted his left leg being amputated. He was diagnosed with "lateral compartment syndrome," a condition caused by impact or injury that results in pressure building up internally, and immediately underwent surgery. Moore went on to miss the remainder of the 2013 season, including the Broncos Super Bowl run, while he recovered.
He still doesn't know how it happened, but it doesn't matter. He can play again.
Moore, who started all 16 games for Denver, went on to have the best season of his career in 2014. He recorded four interceptions, tying a team-high, and returned for the playoffs. He made his postseason presence known, picking off Andrew Luck in the third quarter of the Broncos playoff loss to Indianapolis.
"I felt like a rookie last year, like it was my first time seeing the game of football," Moore said. "It was just a different outcome for me, a different perspective of how much I really love the game. My love for the game just increased.
"It really shows you that you never know what can happen. That's why you have to take each and every day, each and every down like it's your last because at one point, I thought it was my last."
Drafted the Broncos in the second round (45th overall) of the 2011 Draft, Moore spent his entire NFL career in Denver. He thought he would retire there too, but became an unrestricted free agent despite his tremendous season. After his miraculous recovery though, Moore's outlook has now changed. He's ready for the next chapter: Houston.
"Since I've come here, I've realized that there is more to offer here," Moore said. "I realize that Denver is not the only team. Yeah, I thank them for everything they've done for me. I had a tremendous opportunity being there, playing with so many great players, and just experiencing the exposure, but I think since I've been here I have that same experience and exposure, but even better. You got to look towards the future and the Texans are my future."
Moore has started 48-of-57 games during his first four NFL seasons, totaling 196 tackles (169) solo, one sack, eight interceptions, 20 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
The Los Angeles, Calif. native was a team captain and first-team All-American at UCLA where he started all 37 games and ranks fourth in school history with 14 interceptions including leading the nation with 10 interceptions as a sophomore in 2009.
