CJ Moore is “grateful to be back after his suspension”

Safety CJ Moore returned to the Lions earlier this month and spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time since being suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy.

Moore missed the entire 2023 season due to the suspension, meaning he was unable to build on the central role on special teams he built during his first four years in the league in Detroit. Moore said he was “just immature” when it came to making the decision to bet on NFL games and that he was grateful for another chance to play in the NFL.

“There was a lot of uncertainty, but all I could do was try to do my best, be a good professional and prepare for my comeback. I’m just so grateful to be back,” Moore said of Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Moore declined to give details of his gambling habits Thursday, but said he would be available as a point of contact for his teammates to “encourage them not to gamble at all” based on the cost gambling has caused Moore during the 2023 season.