Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore missed the 2023 season after the NFL issued him a year-long suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy for betting on games. After Moore was reinstated in April, he reached an agreement to rejoin the Lions earlier this month.

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore says he’s no longer gambling

“Super thankful for that,” Moore said after Thursday’s OTA practice. “We weren’t allowed to speak [while I was suspended]. Once the door opened, my agent just told me that they had reached out. I mean, that was just blessings. I can’t even explain it. I’m just so, so thankful for them.”

When Moore was asked why he gambled, he said that was between him, the team, and the league. However, he didn’t deny wrongdoing, taking full responsibility for his actions.

“I just failed to hold myself accountable,” Moore said. “I shouldn’t have been gambling in the first place or anything like that. And I failed in that area. … I knew the rules. Just, like I said, being immature, just gambling, losing control of being aware of exactly what I was doing. Just careless mistake.”

Although Moore placed wagers, he revealed that his bets didn’t involve the Lions.

The Mississippi native also reiterated that he’s no longer gambling.

Moore got married, welcomed second child while serving his suspension

While serving his suspension, he got married and welcomed a second child into the world. He credited his wife for remaining supportive through the ordeal.

“I thank God for her, man,” Moore told The Detroit News. “She’s a champ. She didn’t fold at all, she stuck by my side, just stood behind me and was there when I needed her.”

Moore has spent most of his NFL career with the Lions. He went undrafted in 2019 out of Ole Miss. The 5-foot-11, 197-pound safety was also one of Detroit’s top special teams performers from 2019-22. Last season’s NFC North champs are thrilled to have him back.

“I’m obviously excited to have him back,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said. “Hated to see him go. But it’s great to have him back. He’s an energetic player, he’s always got a positive attitude, an optimistic person. And he is a very sudden player, too, so that helps. Yeah, we’re definitely excited.”