New England Patriots offensive tackle Morgan Moses is preparing for his first Super Bowl appearance this Sunday, reflecting on the role his college years at the University of Virginia played in shaping his path. The Richmond native credits that time for laying a strong foundation in both football and academics, which contributed to his NFL longevity and success.
Moses, who grew up in North Chesterfield and attended Meadowbrook High School before playing a year at Fork Union Military Academy, chose UVA confident in its tradition of producing talented offensive linemen.
“We had a huge lineage of offensive linemen that came out of Virginia and were successful – a lot of guys I watched over the years – and it made my decision very easy to go there,”
Moses said.
“When you have that history, you want to carry the torch.”
Commitment to Education and Leadership at UVA
Graduating in 2013 with honors and degrees in anthropology and African American studies, Moses balanced challenging academics with football. Former Virginia head coach Mike London Sr., who now leads the College of William & Mary, praised Moses’s dedication to education and leadership.
“Morgan is a young man who valued the education that can be earned at Virginia,”
London said.
“He took advantage of the network of people not only in the athletic world, but also in school. He was able to take that skill set to the next level and sustain it for such a long, great career.”
London also highlighted Moses’s calm yet commanding presence on the field, describing him as a “gentle giant” who led by example and helped refocus his teammates during intense practices.
“I think he just epitomizes the idea that you can do whatever you put your mind to,”
London added.
“Morgan Moses has been continuing on this journey that hasn’t stopped him. It’s allowed him to keep moving on and succeed, and I’m extremely proud of him being an educated young man who’s experienced the height of an NFL career.”
Mentorship and Growth Through College Athletics
Scott Wachenheim, UVA coach from 2010 to 2014 and now head coach at Virginia Military Institute, served as a close mentor to Moses during his final three college seasons. Wachenheim recalls watching Moses develop as both a player and a leader, an evolution that set the stage for his professional career.
“I took a special interest in Morgan,”
Wachenheim said.
“I got to coach him in his final three years at Virginia. He developed into a great player, but he also developed into an unbelievable leader during his junior year.”
Moses concluded his UVA career with 43 starts, including 12 at left tackle as a senior. His time in Charlottesville combined athletic growth with academic achievement, helping him prepare for life beyond college football.
Professional Career and NFL Impact
Selected in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft by Washington, Moses experienced steady career growth, signing a major five-year extension in 2017 that ranked him as the league’s second-highest-paid right tackle at the time. His professional journey also included periods with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens before joining the Patriots this season.
Known for his reliability in pass protection and his signature beard, celebrated by fans on social media accounts such as “Big Mo’s Beard,” Moses now reaches the Super Bowl for the first time in his twelfth NFL season. This Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks will also feature former UVA offensive lineman Olu Oluwatimi, marking another intriguing connection to Moses’s alma mater on the biggest stage.
The UVA Experience as a Springboard for Success
Moses appreciates the balance UVA maintains between academic rigor and athletic demands, crediting it with preparing players for the challenges of the NFL. He describes the long hours spent in the classroom and studying opponents as essential to developing strong time management skills and overall readiness.
“The way the guys at Virginia are able to balance academics and still get the job done on the field is second to none,”
Moses said.
“It prepares you for the NFL because the workload isn’t easy. It’s long days in the classroom, long days studying opponents and learning time management. That’s why a lot of guys are successful coming out of Virginia.”
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Inspiration
Moses’s journey from Virginia to the Super Bowl underscores the significance of education, leadership, and perseverance in shaping an athlete’s career and character. His story resonates strongly with student-athletes striving to excel on and off the field. As he competes in the pinnacle event of professional football, Moses continues to represent his roots with pride and inspire others to pursue their goals relentlessly.
