Tag: DJ Moore

Panthers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominees since 2014

Here are the last 10 Panthers who have bene nominated for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

Only one Carolina Panther is up for some hardware at tonight’s NFL Honors—and that’s center Bradley Bozeman, who is the team’s nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The “White Rhino” has not only exhibited excellence on the field, but he’s been a presence in the community off of it—through the charitable work of the Bradley and Nikki Bozeman Foundation.

So, to bring him a little luck, let’s get some good vibes going and look back at the organization’s last 10 nominees for the prestigious honor.

Every NFL team’s receiving leader from the 2023 regular season

Each team’s leader in receiving yards from 2023

Look, we know the Carolina Panthers had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year—particularly on offense. But fair is fair, and we already gave you passing and rushing leaders.

So, let’s finish it out and run through each team’s leader in receiving yards from the 2023 regular season.

LOOK: Bears QB Justin Fields hard at work during offseason training

Despite the uncertainty of his Bears future, Justin Fields remains focused on his offseason training.

There are plenty of questions surrounding Justin Fields’ future with the Chicago Bears, but that hasn’t stopped him from going full steam ahead during his offseason training.

Fields is coming off an encouraging third season, where he made strides as a passer. But with the Bears sitting with the first overall pick — and Caleb Williams up for grabs — general manager Ryan Poles has an important decision to make at quarterback.

Despite the outside noise, Fields remains focused on his training. Simeon Kelley shared a video of Fields’ recent offseason preparation in the weight room at Halas Hall.

Fields has received massive support from his teammates and other NFL players (past and present) alike. Safety Jaquan Brisker shared the workout video to his social feed with the caption: “That’s my Quarterback!!!”

No one’s been more vocal about keeping Fields than his No. 1 wide receiver DJ Moore, who has been campaigning for Fields’ return when there were still a few games left in the 2023 season. During his exit interview, Moore sounded off about the offense and made his stance about Fields clear.

“He’s the quarterback of the Chicago Bears until otherwise,” Moore said back on Jan. 8. “And I don’t think that’s changing anytime soon. We’ll see.”

During an appearance on the St. Brown Brothers podcast, Moore shared that he wants the Bears to trade the first overall pick (and build around Fields.)

Well, it certainly worked out the first time. Whether Poles opts for a repeat remains to be seen. It’s certainly going to be a long offseason.

Bears WR DJ Moore wants to retire in Chicago

Regardless of the Bears’ decision at quarterback, DJ Moore wants to be in Chicago for the long-term.

DJ Moore’s first season with the Chicago Bears was certainly a memorable one.

Moore, who was acquired in a trade of the No. 1 pick with the Carolina Panthers, had a career year with 96 receptions for 1,364 receiving yards and eight touchdowns — all career-highs. He was also part of one of the NFL’s best 1-2 punches with quarterback Justin Fields, whose future is uncertain.

The Bears have the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft — for the second straight year — where general manager Ryan Poles has an important decision to make whether to stick with Fields or draft a rookie, like Caleb Williams.

Moore has been vocal in his support of Fields throughout the season, and he’d love to run it back with QB1 in 2024.

“I know it’s all up to them, but my honest opinion is my opinion,” Moore said, via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “I get paid enough, but I don’t get paid enough to make those decisions.

But even amid uncertainty at the quarterback position, Moore made it clear he wants to be in Chicago for the long-term — perhaps for the rest of his career.

“I would like to do at least five years here and then, shoot, maybe retire here,” Moore told ESPN. “That’s always the goal.

“I thought I was going to be in Carolina forever. I was there for five years and I don’t want to be here shorter than that. I’m looking forward to that.”

Moore signed a three-year, $61.8 million deal with the Panthers in March 2022, which means his current contract keeps him in Chicago through 2025. Then Poles will have an important decision to make about Moore, who’s hoping to remain with the Bears for the rest of his NFL career.

Montez Sweat had high praise for Bears teammate DJ Moore

Montez Sweat sounded off on where Bears teammate DJ Moore ranks among NFL wide receivers.

Wide receiver DJ Moore made a huge impact in his first season with the Chicago Bears, where he totaled career highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364) and touchdowns (8).

Still, Moore doesn’t garner the respect he deserves, including being a notable Pro Bowl snub, especially playing in some underwhelming offenses in his six-year career. Case in point: ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe, who said Moore wasn’t even a top-15 wideout in the NFL.

Sharpe asked one Twitter (X) user which of these receivers he’d take over Moore:

Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Mar Chase, Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs, Davante Adams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Puka Nucua, A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Debo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, Mike Evans, Cooper Kupp, Michael Pittman Jr., Nico Collins

Sharpe’s own answer was clear in posing the question: None of them.

Meanwhile, Moore had the sixth-most receiving yards in the NFL and was part of one of the league’s most dangerous duos with Justin Fields. Not to mention, Fields missed four games this season — and Moore still balled out.

Bears star defensive end Montez Sweat sounded off on the debate with high praise for his teammate: He’d take Moore over all 18 of them.

The Bears acquired Moore from the Carolina Panthers in a trade of the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The haul also included right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, the No. 1 pick in 2024 and a 2025 second-rounder still on the way.

Moore was one of the most impactful additions this season, where he proved to be Fields’ most reliable weapon and an electric playmaker. Chicago’s passing offense improved from 32nd in the NFL in 2022 to 27th in 2023.

There’s uncertainty at the quarterback position this offseason, but Moore has made his stance clear: He wants Fields back in 2024. We’ll see if Moore gets his wish.

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What DJ Moore wants Bears to do with No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Bears have an important decision to make with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. DJ Moore revealed what he thinks Chicago will do.

The Chicago Bears once again control the NFL draft this year as they hold the first overall pick (thanks to the Carolina Panthers). While the expectation last year was that Chicago was going to trade it, there’s more uncertainty this season.

Bears wide receiver DJ Moore appeared on the St. Brown Brothers’ podcast with 33rd Team, where he revealed what he thinks Chicago will do with the top selection.

“I think we trade back, to be honest,” Moore said.

Equanimeous St. Brown, Moore’s teammate in Chicago, agreed.

“It worked out the first time,” he said.

St. Brown is, of course, referring to to the trade of the first overall pick last year, where the Bears acquired Moore (alongside picks that turned into right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, the No. 1 pick this year and a 2025 second-rounder).

It certainly seems that Moore’s opinion carries a lot of weight within the organization. During his exit interview with head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles, Moore took time to give his feedback about the offense, which he previously alluded to in his postgame presser with the media, calling out Luke Getsy’s playcalling. Getsy was fired on Wednesday.

That’s not to say that Moore is the reason Getsy was fired, but Eberflus and Poles value player input — especially from one of their best leaders in Moore — and use that in a big picture evaluation.

Another topic of discussion that came up during that exit interview? Fields.

There’s been no bigger supporter of Fields than Moore, who had a career year with 96 catches for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns and has been campaigning for his QB to return for weeks. Fields and Moore have been among the NFL’s most lethal duos — and Moore nearly eclipsed 1,400 yards even with Fields missing four games.

While it certainly feels like Chicago could use the first overall pick to draft a rookie quarterback, like Caleb Williams, Poles did admit that he was “open-minded” to trading the top selection for the a second consecutive season.

“What happened last year, I didn’t see … for it to turn out the way that it did,” Poles said of the massive haul, including Moore. “Again, I’ve got to stay open-minded.”

Bears WR DJ Moore provided feedback on offense during his exit interview

DJ Moore used his exit interview to provide Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles with feedback on the Bears offense.

DJ Moore’s first season with the Chicago Bears was certainly a memorable one. Despite the offensive shortcomings, Moore put on a show and had a career year with 96 catches for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns.

Moore had an opportunity to meet with head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles during his exit interview Monday morning, and he used that time to provide feedback about the offense this season.

“It was open and honest,” Moore told reporters Monday. “I gave good feedback. They gave me their honest opinion on how my year went and everything. That’ll stay between us until it comes out later on and y’all see what happens. We’ll see.”

Chicago’s offense has struggled under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. While the Bears made improvements in total yards (28th to 20th) and total points (23rd to 18th) in Getsy’s second season, they remained a bottom-six passing offense (32nd to 27th).

Moore was asked whether quarterback Justin Fields came up during the exit interview, and he made it known he’d like Fields back.

“Nobody really wants to start all the way over and either having a losing season again or maybe have a (winning season),” Moore said. “You never know. It’s a hit or miss. We’re going to have to wait and see.”

But it remains to be seen whether Moore will get his wish.

“He’s the quarterback of the Chicago Bears until otherwise,” Moore said. “And I don’t think that’s changing anytime soon. We’ll see.”

There are plenty of questions facing the Bears this offseason, including who will be the quarterback come the 2024 regular season. But one thing’s for sure: Moore will be back as the team’s top wideout looking to get this offense on track.

Bears WR DJ Moore on Scott Fitterer’s firing: ‘I might’ve played a part in that’

DJ Moore reacted to Monday morning’s firing of Panthers GM Scott Fitterer.

The grass may indeed be greener on the other side for DJ Moore.

On Monday morning, the Carolina Panthers parted ways with general manager Scott Fitterer—putting a fairly swift end to a largely unsuccessful three-year run. And part of that three-year run included Fitterer’s trade of Moore, who had this say shortly after the news broke:

Moore was drafted to Carolina by their previous general manager Marty Hurney in 2018. The 24th overall selection went on to become the fourth-leading receiver in franchise history—amassing 364 catches for 5,201 yards and 21 touchdowns over five seasons.

After that fifth year, Moore was included in Fitterer’s huge gamble to move atop the 2023 NFL draft. In exchange for what would be the rights to quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers shipped off Moore, 2023’s ninth and 61st picks, 2024’s eventual first overall pick and a 2025 second-round pick to the Chicago Bears.

In his first season on the other side, Moore recorded career-highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364) and total touchdowns (nine).

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Bears Week 18 injury report: Jaylon Johnson DNP, Cole Kmet limited Thursday

Here’s a look at the Bears’ Week 18 injury report following Thursday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears (7-9) released their second injury report ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers (8-8).

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was once again sidelined with a shoulder injury, although he insists that he “100 percent” expects to play against the Packers on Sunday.

Tight end Cole Kmet, who’s been dealing with a knee injury, returned to practice in limited fashion after missing Wednesday’s practice.

Elsewhere, long snapper Patrick Scales is dealing with a foot injury, wide receiver Darnell Mooney remains in concussion protocol and quarterback Tyson Bagent is dealing with an illness.

Wide receiver DJ Moore (ankle) and running back Khalil Herbert (back) was also limited on Thursday.

Here’s a look at the injury report for the Bears and Packers (TBA) after Thursday’s practices:

Chicago Bears

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
QB Tyson Bagent illness DNP DNP
RB Khalil Herbert back — LP
CB Jaylon Johnson shoulder DNP DNP
TE Cole Kmet knee DNP LP
TE Marcedes Lewis rest — DNP
WR Darnell Mooney concussion DNP DNP
WR DJ Moore ankle LP LP
LS Patrick Scales foot DNP DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Green Bay Packers

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
CB Jaire Alexander shoulder FP FP
S Zayne Anderson knee LP FP
LB De’Vondre Campbell neck FP FP
RB AJ Dillon thumb/neck DNP DNP
S Rudy Ford hamstring DNP DNP
OL Elgton Jenkins knee/ankle DNP DNP
RB Aaron Jones knee/finger LP LP
LB Isaiah McDuffie concussion/neck DNP DNP
TE Luke Musgrave** kidney LP LP
OL Josh Myers neck LP FP
CB Keisean Nixon quadricep LP FP
S Jonathan Owens knee LP LP
WR Jayden Reed chest LP LP
S Darnell Savage shoulder FP FP
DL T.J. Slaton knee/foot LP LP
LB Preston Smith ankle DNP DNP
OL Luke Tenuta** ankle FP FP
LB Quay Walker shoulder LP FP
WR Christian Watson hamstring LP LP
WR Dontayvion Wicks chest LP FP
RB Emanuel Wilson** shoulder FP FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

**designated to return from IR

Bears WR DJ Moore reacts to Pro Bowl snub

Bears WR DJ Moore had the perfect reaction to being snubbed from the Pro Bowl.

Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has had a career season in his first year in Chicago, where he’s part of one of the NFL’s best QB-WR duos with teammate Justin Fields.

Moore has career-bests in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,300) and touchdowns (8) through Week 17 — and he was without Fields for four games.

But Moore wasn’t among the wide receivers on the NFC Pro Bowl roster, and there’s little doubt he’s one of the biggest snubs this year.

A.J. Brown, Mike Evans, CeeDee Lamb and rookie Puca Nakua were selected over Moore. While it’s hard to argue against Brown and Lamb, Moore had a strong case to make it over the likes of Evans and Nakua.

Moore took to Twitter (X) to share his reaction to being snubbed — and it’s clear he’s using it as further motivation to be even better.

The good news is the Bears did have two players selected to the Pro Bowl in defensive end Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who made their first Pro Bowl.

It’s just more fuel to the fire for Moore, who will be looking to have an even bigger year in 2024 and finally earn his first Pro Bowl nod.