For anyone who believes in second chances, USA Network’s new original series ‘The Moment’ is for those who believe in, or who have benefited from, second chances. Hosted by legendary NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, ‘The Moment’ gives ordinary people the unique opportunity to realize unfulfilled dreams and rewrite their life’s story. It gives them the second chance of a lifetime.
Each week, Kurt will surprise one person with their second chance: whether that’s becoming a race car driver, costume designer or sports photographer. Traveling far from their homes and families to pursue their calling under the guidance of expert mentors, each participant will prepare for the interview of a lifetime. In the end, they will find out whether they still have what it takes to pursue this career or if they’ve been living their dream life all along.
This week I got the opportunity to interview one of “The Moment” nominees: Vince Moiso.
Vince Moiso has lived and breathed football from a very young age. After a promising playing career in college (University of San Diego) and pro career in Europe, Vince not only played quarterback, but was getting involved with coaching as well. But that’s when tragedy struck. His father, suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, took a turn for the worst and passed away. It was up to Vince to support his recently widowed mom. Vince decided to forgo his dream of coaching and went into the tile business and has built a very successful career. However, there is still something missing, and being a football coach would complete his life. Our mentor will get Vince back up to speed and prepare him for an interview with the most elite college football program in the country – the University of Notre Dame. Vince will have to dig deep to overcome the years away from the game, and decide if the life of a professional coach is right for him and his family. (Bio from USANetwork.com)
Vince stopped by the blog to answer a few questions about Notre Dame, Fighting Irish football and what Our Lady’s University means to him.
Q: How long have you been a Notre Dame fan?
A: “A true Notre Dame fan? Since September of 2012 after my experience here.”
Q: What is your first Notre Dame memory (football or otherwise)?
A: “The two kickoff TD returns by Rocket Ismail against Michigan in 1989. I remember watching it in total amazement, I was in high school at the time.”
Q: What is your favorite Notre Dame football memory?
A: “Rudy, seriously, if you’re a college football fan, who doesn’t love the movie Rudy? Is there anything more inspirational?”
Q: Did you play football in high school/college?
A: “I started playing football when I was 7 years old in Jr. All-American in Southern California. I played at McKay High School in Salem, Oregon and at the University of San Diego. I was a QB, and I also went on to play professionally in Europe.”
Q: When did you decide you wanted to be a football coach?
A: “I started coaching kids when I was in high school. It has always come naturally to me. I just thought that football would always be a part of my life. I would play for as long as I could then transition to coaching. It seemed to be the natural progression, unfortunately it didn’t happen that way.”
Q: Who is your favorite Notre Dame football coach? and why?
A: “Probably Lou Holtz, because Notre Dame football was so relevant at the time for me. I was a freshman in high school when he won the national championship. I was paying attention to college football so he made an impression on me. I think from that 1988 team more than 20 players went on to play in the NFL. And I like seeing Lou on ESPN now!”
![THE MOMENT -- "Into the Fire, South Bend IN, Football Coach" -- Pictured: -- (Photo by: Michael Hickey/USA Network)](https://www.herloyalsons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/VinceAndKurt-300x200.jpg)
THE MOMENT — “Into the Fire, South Bend IN, Football Coach” — Pictured: — (Photo by: Michael Hickey/USA Network)
Q: What about Notre Dame makes it such a special place for you (and so many
others)?
A: “I could write a book on this subject. I’m officially a subway domer now. You see what I thought was a simple opportunity to get back into coaching at Notre Dame became so much more. I didn’t understand why Notre Dame until I got here. By day two as I walked into the Basilica it was clear why I was here. This place welcomed me with open arms and every person I have met associated with the University is more impressive than the next. There is an energy that you cannot explain unless you have been here to feel it yourself. As coach Holtz said, “if you’ve been there no explanation is necessary, if you haven’t none is adequate.” Any true Notre Dame fan has heard that a thousand times but I know it rings true every time they hear it. It rings true for me.”
Q: What is your biggest takeaway from your experience with ‘The Moment?’
A: “You would expect me to say the coaching experience itself or the opportunity, but it’s not the biggest takeaway. For me ‘The Moment’ was about personal growth. I discovered along the way that I had not seriously opened up about my father’s death over 16 years ago. The show helped me explore the guilt and responsibility I felt over his death. It forced me to open up and let go. Once I did I had the time of my life. It was a very special life experience.”
“And last but certainly not least … none of this would have been possible without the love and support of my wife and two daughters.”
I’d like to give Vince a big thank you for stopping by the blog. Tune in to USA Network on Thursday, May 2nd and see if Vince got the job as a Notre Dame football coach!
Cheers!
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Great story. Welcome to Notre Dame, Our Lady’s University.