What started as a youth football clinic with retired Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss at FedEx Field Thursday became an educational session about sports, success and life after football.
Moss, who spent the bulk of his 14 years in the NFL in Washington, discussed how perseverance helped him throughout his career and life, both athletically and academically.
“Even when there were some of my darkest moments as a player and as an individual in life dealing with the things we deal with — never quit. Don’t have quit in your vocabulary,” he said.
Moss, who obtained his master’s in business administration from the University of Miami, stressed to the children the importance of this achievement.
“If I’m a grown man who spent 14 years in the NFL [and] can return to obtain another degree after earning my bachelor’s degree, they can do it, too,” said Moss, who last played in 2014. “The only chance to do something more with yourself after having a career like myself is by having these degrees, being educated, and knowing that there is more.”
The youth clinic was born out of a partnership between Comcast and the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation.
“It’s through partnerships that you’re able to speak to people who’ve done some pretty significant things in our society,” said Ronnie Gathers, department director. “We’re able to provide these opportunities throughout Prince George’s County. Whether sports, arts, swimming — you name it, and we can provide those opportunities.”
Brad Palazzo, director of external affairs for Comcast Beltway, said the cable and internet company aims to be a contributor to the community as well.
“Comcast is deeply committed to the Prince George’s County community we serve and we strive to give back,” he said. “By giving them an opportunity to meet Santana, come to FedEx Field and help keep the kids active, we’re positively impacting these young lives and leading by example.”
Palazzo said the company also focuses on youth development and digital literacy through its Internet Essentials initiative, which allows the internet to be accessed at reduced rates.