Moss decade began here

The Poplar Bluff Museum has tales of us, our family, and our history. I want to tell you some of those tales found within the museum walls.

The four Moss brothers, Eddie, Leroy, Hosie and Michael, played Poplar Bluff sports from 1966 through 1976. They led the Mules to a decade of undefeated seasons and championships. Poplar Bluff hasn’t seen such a legendary sports family since.

Eddie Moss was a young African American who grew up in a family of 15 children on a farm in north Poplar Bluff. In his sophomore year the Poplar Bluff schools were desegregated and he transferred from the City’s all black school to the Poplar Bluff High School. The football coach Jim Lohr took an interest in Eddie. Even though he never played, Coach Lohr took him over the summer and taught Eddie the game. The first time he practiced in full pads, Eddie smashed another players facemask and broke his nose. He was hooked! Eddie became an All-Conference football player. He continued setting records at South East Missouri University. In 1972 Eddie was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. He was the first Poplar Bluff athlete to be drafted by the NFL. Eddie continued his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. The tough nose-breaking Eddie Moss enjoyed telling stories of when he came up against Dick Butkus and Ed “Too Tall” Jones. “It was like running into a brick wall. They just threw me aside like a piece of meat,” said Eddie laughing. He finished his NFL career with the Washington Redskins, retiring in 1978.

Little brother Leroy Moss was also an All-Conference player, eventually playing for the University of Missouri. He even got to play against another future great from Poplar Bluff, Derland Moore. Leroy was also drafted by the NFL playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. He continued his football career with the Canadian Football League, retiring in 1978.

Just like his brothers, Hosie Moss was an All-Star. He was selected for the All-State team. He scored 6 touchdowns in one game. Hosie went on to play football at Ft. Scott College in Kansas. There in 1970, he unexpectedly died on the football field. Poplar Bluff High School respectfully retired both his football and basketball jerseys.

Michael Moss was also All-State. His first touchdown was a game winning 71 yard run beating Cape Central 29-28. Michael graduated in 1976, ending the Moss decade of football greats. He continued his football career by playing for the University of Missouri.

All four brothers have been inducted in the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame. Along with their Hall of Fame plaques, there is a large glass case of Moss memorabilia honoring the great brothers. Biographies, photos, helmets and jerseys are on display. Additional artifacts from Eddie, Leroy, Hosie and Michael are also scattered throughout the Hall of Fame. The Museum is open every Sunday free of charge from 1pm to 4pm at 1010 Main Street, Poplar Bluff (Formerly the Old Mark Twain School). Tell them Mike sent you!

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.