Michigan Wolverines’ safety is reeling from a loss too close to his heart. A week ago, he lost his grandmother and shared a short message for her.

“Love you Granny (purple heart) sweetest angel,” he posted in an Instagram post on May 31.

In a series of images he shared online, Moore was seen spending time with family and paying tribute to her. She had turned 100 in March this year and was surrounded by her loved ones across generations.

The defensive back had posted a long, heartfelt message after her birthday celebration, congratulating her on a life well-lived.

“So today I can OFFICIALLY say it. Happy 100th Birthday Grandma Teeny,” he posted on March 23. “She still sharp in her mind. She has 7 kids, don’t get me lying about the about of grandkids, great grandkids and how wonderful it is she has GREAT GREAT GRANDCHILDREN alive at the same time as her.”

Moore had always credited his grandmothers for giving him strength. In September 2025, he made a comeback after an absence that stretched for around 18 months. He had suffered a major knee injury and underwent surgery for the same. 

The former two-time captain made an explosive return with a 30-27 victory against Nebraska. The path of his return wasn’t an easy one, but someone kept him motivated. Moore said that his love for football and his other grandmother pushed him to keep going.

“It's a lot. For one, I love the game of football so I just wanted to come back and play football again,” he said, according to 247 Sports. “And then my grandma who passed, unfortunately, a couple years back, I always told her that I would go to the NFL. So that was really my ‘why.’”

Moore has entered his sixth season in college football, which is unprecedented. This year has brought new changes for him in the shape of new coaches, who have earned his respect. 

Rod Moore Reveals His Feelings On The New Coaching Staff At Michigan

Last week, Rod Moore appeared on the In the Trenches podcast. In conversation with Jon Jansen, Moore revealed that he did not expect to love the new leadership as much as he did. 

“Honestly, I can say I got lucky because a lot of coaches don’t really go back and look at players that used to be here, like older players that are coming off injuries,” Moore said on June 3.

Moore was referring to his 2024 ACL tear that kept him away for the entire season. His return was limited to just three games the next season as he faced difficulties. He has been granted another year of eligibility, which his coaches appear to utilize to its fullest. 

“And I can say to this coaching staff, they took the time to really learn who I was, especially Coach Hill. He called me one day out of nowhere; I think it was probably a week after he got here, and was just like, ‘I love how you move.’ And I'm like, dang, you back there watching the ‘23 film?” he further added.

Moore said this is the healthiest he has been since sustaining that injury. As he is gearing up for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on him. What are your thoughts? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar