AUSTIN — The Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas was once one of Eric Moore's sanctuaries. His current sanctuary is the non-denominational Summit Worship Center on Anderson Mill Road, where this Sooner for life and his wife, Andrea, are co-pastors.
"I'm privileged and honored that God would choose and allow me to be a part of his team." said Moore.
The former Oklahoma quarterback wasn't born and bred a Sooner. Moore was born and raised in Dallas. But, after graduating from Carter High School, Moore began his career as a Sooner quarterback for then head coach, Gary Gibbs.
Moore's journey as a Sooner was a rocky one.
From 1994 to 1998, Moore played for three different head coaches and the OU football program experienced dark times.
OU endured 33 losses during that time span and three of those losses were against Texas in the Red River Rivalry game in Dallas.
Moore fondly remembers those special games inside of the Cotton Bowl.
"You have one side cheering you on and another side calling you every name but a child of God," said Moore.
Oddly enough, there are quite a few Longhorns who are members of Moore's congregation at Summit Worship Center. Some of those former Longhorns include Jason Reeves, Norman Watkins, Stevie Lee and Brandon Nava.
Last Sunday, Moore made a wager with his congregation. Moore said if UT wins, "I will stand up with a smile on my face I will play the UT song" during Sunday morning's services.
What if his alma mater beats UT again?
"Oh but if I win, they have to stand up with a smile on their face and sing my school song Boomer Sooner," Moore said.
The Texas Longhorns are set to face the Oklahoma Sooners Saturday at 11 a.m.