Tackling plans for the future

How Devin Moore used his Warrington education to strategize for life after football

When Devin Moore enrolled at the University of Florida in January 2022, he brought a different mindset than many student athletes. He had the same dreams as others – imagining what it would feel like to hear his name called in the NFL Draft one day – but he came with a contingency plan already in place.

Moore showed up in Gainesville convinced about what life after football would look like. Those goals and plans stemmed from his upbringing. No matter what accolades or scholarship offers he received as a football player at Naples High School, Moore’s parents always had the same message – stand out in the classroom, too.

“Sports will end one day – my family always preached that,” Moore said. “It didn’t matter how well football was going, they made sure I was always level headed and kept my focus on academics because they can take you further than sports. Sports will end one day for everybody.”

When that day comes, Moore will be ready.

He grew up fascinated by the business world, specifically with an eye on finance. That sparked his interest to work for a wealth management firm for a few years before one day running his own firm.

“Ever since I was a young age, business and finance were always things that interested me,” Moore said. “I’ve always wanted to run my own business and be able to manage investments in a wealth management role.”

A three-time SEC honor roll member while being a consistent contributor at cornerback for the Gators on the gridiron, Moore’s experience at Warrington has played an important role in preparing him for that future.  

“My time at Warrington has been extremely beneficial,” Moore said. “The things I’ve learned in classes are so applicable, but it’s also the connections I’ve made with people. The business school has changed my life with the knowledge and lifelong connections.”

One of those connections turned into an internship during the summer before Moore’s senior year. He connected with former Florida punter David Lerner (BS ’11), whose dad founded Total Planning, a wealth management company in Gainesville.

Moore interned with the company and did market research on investment trends and insurance. He worked directly with clients and learned more about wealth management strategies. The internship solidified Moore’s plans for his future and interest in the career he always knew he wanted.

The biggest challenge for Moore is staying on top of his demanding classes while balancing his football responsibilities. Time management has become a strength for Moore during his time at Warrington, as he has learned to get good grades while also making sure he’s prepared for football.

“It’s important to map your day out and have a plan,” Moore said. “Every minute of my day is mapped out. Everybody has free time, but I make sure I’m not doing anything I like to do until I handle my business.”

With hands-on learning through the internship and four years of classroom knowledge to gain the fundamental skills, Moore feels equipped for life after football.

Following the 2024 season, Moore had a difficult decision to make about his future. He was eligible to enter the NFL Draft but was coming off a shoulder injury that cost him the second half of his season. While it was viewed as a football decision, Moore also saw it as an academic decision.

If he left, he would start his NFL career without a completed degree and would have to finish it one day after his playing career ended. Instead, he decided to stay in school for his senior year and graduate in December 2025.

“My parents always stressed to get your degree no matter what,” Moore said. “On top of getting hurt and not being able to maximize my draft value if I left early, it was important for me to leave UF with a business degree.”

Before he does, Moore is excited for his final season in The Swamp. His shoulder injury forced him to watch from the sideline last season as the team won its four final games, so he’s looking forward to being back on the field to build on last year’s momentum.

“I’m so excited to be out there with the guys,” Moore said. “This is the closest team I’ve ever been on. We have fun, but we keep the main thing the main thing. We’re ready for the fans and everyone else to see it on the field.”