Michigan Wolverines safety **Rod Moore** has taken a significant step in his recovery from a devastating **ACL tear**, marking his first time running on solid ground since his injury in **April 2024**. This milestone brings renewed hope for his return to the field in the upcoming **2025 season**, a moment eagerly anticipated by Michigan fans and teammates alike [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/michigan-football-s-rod-moore-cleared-to-run-for-first-time-since-acl-tear/ar-AA1EHX00?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZkJmemNZNmlXN0s5M1J6cjZOVXN2IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9taWNoaWdhbi1mb290YmFsbC1zLXJvZC1tb29yZS1jbGVhcmVkLXRvLXJ1bi1mb3ItZmlyc3QtdGltZS1zaW5jZS1hY2wtdGVhclwvYXItQUExRUhYMDAiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJDc2Z2QVVpVWpXU3A3ZzN2ZTZTajcifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### A Long Road to Recovery
Moore, a **team captain and defensive leader**, suffered the ACL tear during **spring ball in 2024**, sidelining him for the entire season. Initially, there was optimism that he could return late in the year, but setbacks in his healing process prevented him from making a comeback. His absence was felt deeply, as Michigan’s defense had to adjust without one of its most reliable playmakers [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/michigan-football-s-rod-moore-cleared-to-run-for-first-time-since-acl-tear/ar-AA1EHX00?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZkJmemNZNmlXN0s5M1J6cjZOVXN2IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiQ3NmdkFVaVVqV1NwN2czdmU2U2o3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9taWNoaWdhbi1mb290YmFsbC1zLXJvZC1tb29yZS1jbGVhcmVkLXRvLXJ1bi1mb3ItZmlyc3QtdGltZS1zaW5jZS1hY2wtdGVhclwvYXItQUExRUhYMDAifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Despite the challenges, Moore remained a vocal leader off the field, supporting his teammates and maintaining his presence within the program. His resilience and determination have been evident throughout his recovery, and now, with clearance to run, he is taking the first crucial steps toward a full return [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/michigan-football-s-rod-moore-cleared-to-run-for-first-time-since-acl-tear/ar-AA1EHX00?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cubXNuLmNvbVwvZW4tdXNcL3Nwb3J0c1wvb3RoZXJcL21pY2hpZ2FuLWZvb3RiYWxsLXMtcm9kLW1vb3JlLWNsZWFyZWQtdG8tcnVuLWZvci1maXJzdC10aW1lLXNpbmNlLWFjbC10ZWFyXC9hci1BQTFFSFgwMCIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IkNzZnZBVWlValdTcDdnM3ZlNlNqNyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJmQmZ6Y1k2aVc3SzkzUnpyNk5Vc3YifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Optimism from Coaches and Teammates
Michigan head coach **Sherrone Moore** has expressed confidence in Rod Moore’s progress, stating that he is “**trending in a super positive direction**” and is expected to be in a great place for **summer workouts** and **fall camp** [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/michigan-football-s-rod-moore-cleared-to-run-for-first-time-since-acl-tear/ar-AA1EHX00?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJDc2Z2QVVpVWpXU3A3ZzN2ZTZTajciLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cubXNuLmNvbVwvZW4tdXNcL3Nwb3J0c1wvb3RoZXJcL21pY2hpZ2FuLWZvb3RiYWxsLXMtcm9kLW1vb3JlLWNsZWFyZWQtdG8tcnVuLWZvci1maXJzdC10aW1lLXNpbmNlLWFjbC10ZWFyXC9hci1BQTFFSFgwMCIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJmQmZ6Y1k2aVc3SzkzUnpyNk5Vc3YifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This optimism is shared by teammates, who have rallied around Moore throughout his rehabilitation.
Moore’s return would bolster Michigan’s **safety rotation**, which includes talented players such as **Brandyn Hillman, Mason Curtis, TJ Metcalf, Tevis Metcalf, Jaden Mangham, Kainoa Winston, Jordan Young, and Elijah Dotson** [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/michigan-football-s-rod-moore-cleared-to-run-for-first-time-since-acl-tear/ar-AA1EHX00?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZkJmemNZNmlXN0s5M1J6cjZOVXN2IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9taWNoaWdhbi1mb290YmFsbC1zLXJvZC1tb29yZS1jbGVhcmVkLXRvLXJ1bi1mb3ItZmlyc3QtdGltZS1zaW5jZS1hY2wtdGVhclwvYXItQUExRUhYMDAiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJDc2Z2QVVpVWpXU3A3ZzN2ZTZTajcifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the Wolverines prepare for the **2025 season**.
### The Impact of Moore’s Return
Moore’s presence on the field is more than just a boost to Michigan’s defense—it’s a testament to perseverance and determination. His ability to read plays, deliver hard-hitting tackles, and make clutch interceptions has made him a standout player since his freshman year. One of his most memorable moments came in **2023**, when he sealed Michigan’s victory over **Ohio State** with a game-winning interception [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/michigan-football-s-rod-moore-cleared-to-run-for-first-time-since-acl-tear/ar-AA1EHX00?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZkJmemNZNmlXN0s5M1J6cjZOVXN2IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9taWNoaWdhbi1mb290YmFsbC1zLXJvZC1tb29yZS1jbGVhcmVkLXRvLXJ1bi1mb3ItZmlyc3QtdGltZS1zaW5jZS1hY2wtdGVhclwvYXItQUExRUhYMDAiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJDc2Z2QVVpVWpXU3A3ZzN2ZTZTajcifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
If Moore can return to full strength, Michigan’s defense will be significantly stronger, providing stability in the secondary and enhancing their chances of competing at the highest level. His leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding younger players and maintaining the Wolverines’ defensive identity.
### Looking Ahead
While Moore’s clearance to run is a major milestone, there is still work to be done before he can fully return to game action. His progress in **summer workouts** and **fall camp** will determine his readiness for the season opener. If all goes well, Michigan fans could see him back on the field, making impactful plays and leading the defense once again [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/michigan-football-s-rod-moore-cleared-to-run-for-first-time-since-acl-tear/ar-AA1EHX00?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZkJmemNZNmlXN0s5M1J6cjZOVXN2IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL290aGVyXC9taWNoaWdhbi1mb290YmFsbC1zLXJvZC1tb29yZS1jbGVhcmVkLXRvLXJ1bi1mb3ItZmlyc3QtdGltZS1zaW5jZS1hY2wtdGVhclwvYXItQUExRUhYMDAiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJDc2Z2QVVpVWpXU3A3ZzN2ZTZTajcifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
For now, the Wolverines community celebrates this step forward, eagerly awaiting the moment when Rod Moore can once again take the field and continue his legacy in **Maize and Blue**. 🏈💙
