When Shawn Moorehead put the finishing touches on the 2007 ISU football season, the defensive end thought he had closed out his career as well. Next month, Moorehead gets another shot to continue his career when he competes with Team USA in the World Championship of American Football.

“I thought that was my last time,” said Moorehead, who recorded a sack on the final play of the Cyclones’ 21-16 victory over Missouri in 2006. “I’m very happy to be able to put on pads one more time.”

When Moorehead suits up, he’ll be a member of the first U.S. team to compete in the tournament. The 10-day event, which is being played in Kawasaki, Japan, features 45 players from numerous colleges throughout the nation playing for the United States. Six countries will compete for the national championship prize. At least one player from every college in the nation was nominated for a spot on the team and even with last year’s coaching change, Moorehead’s name was quick to come in.

“He can run, he’s physical, he’s athletic, and he’s coachable,” said former coach Dan McCarney. “Anyone who gets a chance to coach Shawn Moorehead will be a success.”

It was that kind of recommendation that originally interested Team USA head coach John Mackovic in Iowa State’s all-time sacks leader. After reviewing some film and looking at some of Moorehead’s statistics, Mackovic knew he was a perfect fit for the team.

“I liked his quickness of the ball,” Mackovic said. “He’s a good pass rusher and that’s something that we’re looking for at his position.”

Moorehead will report to San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, and Thursday will mark the first day of two weeks of practice. When his team eventually makes the trip overseas, he’ll spend most of the time enjoying his new surroundings while preparing for his team’s first appearance in the tournament.

“I’m very excited,” Moorehead said. “Just being able to see Japan and its culture, I think will be a lot of fun.”

As for his final game, Moorehead said he’ll appreciate it much more the second time around.

“I’m definitely just going to enjoy every second that I’m on the field because when I thought I had my last game playing for Iowa State, I looked back and wished I could have done it all over again,” he said. “Now that I’m doing this, I’m going to cherish every moment I’m playing football.”