NASHVILLE – Veteran NFL lineman Dan Moore Jr. first met Titans guard Peter Skoronski a few years ago, when they began training together in Dallas.
More recently, another Titans lineman, JC Latham, joined the group in Texas, and they immediately hit it off.
"As an older guy, I think JC naturally kind of gravitated toward me," Moore said. "Now, I consider him my little bro."
The personal connection between the three became even more special when Moore, the starting left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers the past four seasons, signed with the Titans at the start of free agency.
The move to Tennessee seemed perfect for a lot of reasons for Moore, who was raised not far from Houston and knows all about the roots of the franchise, as well as his new linemates with the Titans.
"It's pretty cool how it all ended up falling in place," Moore said. "It's kind of like it was meant to happen, I guess."
The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Moore joined the Titans after starting 66 games at left tackle for the Steelers from 2021-2024. In Pittsburgh, he became the first Steelers rookie to start at left tackle since 1970. During his four years in Pittsburgh, Moore only missed two games out of a possible 68.
In Tennessee, he wants to prove the Titans right for going to get him, and for rewarding him with a nice contract, in free agency. The 26-year-old Moore wants to reward the team with his play on the field, and his impact on the team.
"Obviously I want to exceed expectations," Moore said. "But it's not only about proving the team right, it's about proving myself right. I feel like my expectations will always be higher than anyone else's are for me. I feel like by meeting my expectations, I'll exceed the team's expectations.
"So, not only do I want to prove them right, I want to prove them damn right, where (they're thinking): "We got our guy. He didn't just do what we needed him to do, he did that and more." That is the consensus I want in the organization."
The Titans attacked the offensive line position in free agency.
Not only did the Titans sign Moore, they also signed NFL veteran Kevin Zeitler, most recently with the Lions. The addition of Moore will allow the 22-year-old Latham to move to right tackle in his second NFL season. Moore likes the group, which also includes another player he's familiar with in center Lloyd Cushenberry.
"With JC moving to the right, it's great for him. It's always easier for a tackle when you have a smart guard next to you and he'll have that in Zeitler. It will allow him to just go out and play," Moore said. "I know about big Lloyd Cushenberry, too, he's a great player. I played against him when he was at LSU (and I was at Texas A&M). And Pete, just knowing who he is, and training with him the last couple of years, he's a workhouse. Going into Year 3, I just want to help Pete get the most out of his career. And hopefully I can help his game and in return he can help mine, too, and we can secure that left side.
"I really like the group, and as an organization, I like what the team is trying to accomplish, what they are prioritizing. I think they are wanting to put an emphasis on the front, and I think that is where games are won, in the trenches. Obviously in the AFC South we have some really good rushers on the other side of the ball, and you have to make sure your front five is on point. I think what we did in the offseason and the young guys that we have in that room, I think we have the potential to be one of the best groups in the division, and one of the better groups in the league as well."
Moore said he wants to do his part as well.
He believes Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan will get the most of him, and help him reach his potential.
Over the last four years, Moore ranks third in the league in offensive snaps (4,109) played by tackles, trailing only Penei Sewell (4,328) and Jawaan Taylor (4,135).
In each of Moore's four seasons with the Steelers, running back Najee Harris surpassed 1,000 rushing yards. In 2023, the Steelers offensive line allowed only 36 sacks, which ranked ninth in the NFL.
In Tennessee, he'll have running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears behind him.
The team's starting quarterback for 2025 remains to be seen, however.
Moore said he's focusing on himself, and making those around him better.
"Every year I feel like I have progressed and have gotten better each offseason – that's something I take pride in," Moore said. "Obviously, Pittsburgh wouldn't have had me as the starting left tackle the last four years if not. I think this past season I was able to tap into some things that I wasn't able to in the past, just being an older guy, things slowing down for me, things happening more naturally for me. I really feel the game is coming to me now.
"Me and Bill had a good conversation, and he talked about how he can help me and my game. He is obviously one of the best coaches in the NFL. So many players have developed under Bill Callahan, and I know that. Just talking to him, I know he's going to make me better and get the most out of me. Bill thinks he can help my game a lot, and I believe he can as well. Hopefully we can do some great things together, and Bill can tweak my game here and there, and shoot, maybe I'll be looking at a Pro Bowl or an All-Pro in the future."
Moore, who was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, roughly 80 miles east of Houston, said he's happy to be back in the south.
He said he believes in history, and southern hospitality.
"I am familiar with Tennessee organization, being a Houston area kid." Moore said. "The hometown team used to be the Oilers. When I came up, the Texans were already kind of established, but you hear stories about Warren Moon and some of the great Oilers, the colors.
"I love the fact Tennessee has taken over the branding of the Oilers, it's kind of cool."
Moore wants to do his part on the field, and off it.
"I feel like I am a hard worker, without a doubt," he said. "Definitely a guy who is going to lead young guys, try to be vocal in the room when need be. I am a guy who is easy to get along with. I would like to say I have somewhat of a big personality at times. I love to bring smile and joy to people. So, hopefully I can bring energy to the room.
"I also want to bring a type of demeanor and a type of swagger that we need on the offensive line to go and compete against some of these defensive ends and defensive tackles in this league. I want to put the onus on the offensive front, and I want us to be the leaders of the offense and be the reason why our offense is successful. I am just going to carry that mentality, that energy with me every single day and hopefully the team and the players and the coaches will see that."
