“Gone Too Soon”: Sherrone Moore Pays His Respects as Football World Loses Former Kicker at 31

Michigan Wolverines’ new head coach Sherrone Moore has been facing a wave of grief lately. In early May, he mourned the loss of two former Michigan athletes—linebacker Obi Ezeh and basketball point guard Darius Moris. Just a week later, tragedy struck again with the passing of John Wallace, a former kicker from Louisville, where Moore began his coaching career.

On Wednesday, the Louisville football program announced the death of their former kicker, John Wallace, at the young age of 31. Soon after the announcement, Moore expressed his condolences on his Instagram story with a black and white photo and the words, “Gone too soon! Rest in peace young man!!”

John Wallace has been a key player for the Louisville Cardinals since 2012. During his four years with the Cardinals, he was a valuable player, helping them reach many bowl games. In 2013, he set a school record during the Russell Athletic Bowl victory. Even in his last season in 2015, he continued to be a key player, making a 50-yard field goal and helping the team succeed. He is ranked 8th in all-time scoring for Louisville. 

Now how could the Cardinals forget his contributions to their team? With heavy heart, the Louisville Football Program mourned the passing of their talented placekicker on their X handle: “We are saddened by the passing of Cardinal Forever John Wallace. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.” In fact the team was the first to share the news however, the cause of death has not been disclosed by either the university or Wallace’s family.

One undeniable fact is that Louisville played an important role in the careers of both John Wallace as well as Wolverines’ head coach Sherrone Moore.

Sherrone Moore’s coaching journey from Cardinals to Wolverines

Sherrone Moore began his coaching career at the University of Louisville way back in 2009. Moore started as a graduate assistant under then-coach Steve Kragthorpe. During this time, Moore even completed his master’s degree at the university. And later in 2012, he transitioned into the role of tight ends coach, where he worked with John Wallace, who played for the Cardinals from 2012 to 2015. This Moore-Wallace combo even contributed to a Sugar Bowl victory for the team.

Now Moore’s early experience at Louisville is what paved the way for his move to the Michigan Wolverines in 2018. His early success at Michigan eventually led him to fill in the legendary shoes of Jim Harbaugh this year. We hope Moore won’t face any more sadness as he steps into his new big role.