NFL fame, money, and celebrity can open all the doors in the world—but according to former Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore, none of that teaches you how to grow up.
That was just one of the honest truths Moore shared during a powerful and emotional visit to the Genesee County Jail on July 15. Standing before a room of inmates, Moore opened up not as a former NFL star, but as a man who didn’t fully mature until his 30s—after his football career ended.
Moore was joined by fellow ex-Lions player Tim Walton and Kenneth Briggs, the Oakland County Chief of Pretrial & Justice Services. The event was organized by Percy Glover, co-executive director of community engagement for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, who wanted to give inmates something different than a lecture — he wanted to give them real talk, from people who’ve been through real struggle.
And that’s exactly what they delivered.
Each of the speakers shared personal stories that connected deeply with the inmates. Moore spoke about growing up in Virginia in a single-parent household in the projects, where life offered more traps than chances. Briggs revealed he lost his mother at just 12 years old. Despite their success today, the men made it clear: the road to where they are now was anything but easy.
“Even in all of their success, they’re still human,” Glover said, pointing out how valuable it is for inmates to hear from people who’ve made mistakes, faced pain, and still found ways to rise.
The visit included a panel discussion, Q&A, and a meet-and-greet. Inmates—both male and female—took part. One moment that stood out: a female inmate asked if a photo of her group with Moore could be framed and hung in the jail, as a source of inspiration during her time behind bars.
That small request speaks volumes. For many, just a glimpse of hope or proof that someone like them made it through can change the course of a life.
Glover said this visit is part of a broader effort by the sheriff’s office to reduce recidivism. His message? One or two mistakes shouldn’t define a person forever. “We’ve all been a close second to making the wrong choice that could have changed our lives — good and bad,” he said.
For Herman Moore, it was never just about football. Now in his post-career life, he’s using his voice and his story to do something even more important: change lives.
And on that Tuesday afternoon in Flint, that’s exactly what he did.
Fame Didn’t Mature Me”: Lions Legend Herman Moore Gets Real With Inmates
