Santana Moss, a former NFL Wide Receiver for the Washington Commanders/Redskins, has a specific vision for improving the lives of local families which has become a major part of his legacy.
The 45-year-old Leesburg resident has long believed in supporting the people in Northern Virginia and serving as a positive role model, especially to the children and teens who continue to look up to him.
He proudly makes this happen through various charity functions through his 89 Ways to Give Back Foundation, giving a nod to his NFL Football Number 89.
Over the years, these events have included local food drives for Thanksgiving, toy drives for Christmas, and the much-anticipated April 18 golf tournament at the Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club in Leesburg.
The tournament is being hosted in partnership with Potomac Lifestyle Magazine. Moss credits Foundation Operations and Marketing Director Carmen Felder for helping to make the foundation successful.
“A lot of people need a helping hand,” explains Moss. “So, that’s why I started my foundation in the first place, when I was 21, before I started my football career.”
Moss’s career began with college football, playing for the Miami Hurricanes, and his momentum continued with 14 seasons in the NFL; including four with the New York Jets and 10 with the Commanders/Redskins. He is ranked the number two receiver in the Washington team’s history.
Among his accomplishments are becoming a two-time all-pro, first in 2002 as a punt returner with the Jets, and later in 2005 as a wide receiver with the Commanders/Redskins.
“Growing up, I had many friends from single-parent households, and I saw how difficult it was for them to survive at times. They lacked the stability and foundation of two loving parents that I was fortunate enough to have,” says Moss.
“I am a giver,” he adds, “and I always want to be that guy who can make life smoother for many of the children and families in my hometown.”
He said his support team consists of his coaches and his family, and he has always been eager to give back.
“The foundation’s vision is to inspire hope, create everlasting bonds, enhance quality of life, and empower everyone in our community. I'm most proud of being someone who can sometimes make those special holidays or other special moments in life come true for families, especially the kids.”
An Up Close and Personal Look at Giving Back
Early on, when Moss was working on loading up the remaining presents after a Christmas toy drive, he saw two children waiting for their mom and auntie, who were there to clean the venue after the event.
“I knew we had a lot of items left to offer, so I gave them bicycles and lots of other toys, and the daughter hugged me, and their auntie was in tears,” Moss said. “To actually see their faces and the impact on their lives is something I will never forget.
Being a positive role model for children in general, especially young athletes, is of utmost importance to Moss.
“I know that you hear a lot of cliches about an athlete’s journey, but throughout my career, it has always been about perseverance. From day one, if you look back on my career, it was never clear that I was going to make it to the NFL,” he recalls.
“My thought process was always banking on me doing this, and I faced many roadblocks and dead ends. There was a lot of grind, and a lot of grit, including negative views from coaches and people watching me because of my size, and feeling maybe it wasn’t meant to be,” he says.
“But I never allowed that to affect my true beliefs and desires,” Moss said. “I've always seen myself as an NFL football player.”
Life Off the Football Field – Relaxing and Broadcasting
When he was thinking about retirement, Moss said he knew he should be proactive, so after his final season in 2014, he pursued his MBA and graduated from the University of Miami in 2016 after an accelerated course.
“Everyone, including my agents, knew I wasn’t going to sit still,” he said, “so they got me ready for life after football. I had a solid 14-year run, and I knew I had to respect the game and respect myself.”
He was eager to make Leesburg his home. “I find peace and quiet here in Leesburg; amazingly, my mind rests easier here.”
To prove there is life off the field, Moss’s new gig is as a broadcaster for the Commanders, something that he wholeheartedly embraces.
“This gives me a way to enjoy the game from a different view. I love getting a chance to interact with the fans more than I did as a player; after all, I never had a tailgate party until I retired.”
For More Information, Check Out - https://89waystogive.org/
“To actually see their faces and the impact on their lives is something I will never forget."
“A lot of people need a helping hand”