Santana Moss Visits J.P. Taravella High School

It's not everyday an NFL star comes to school but Wednesday, students at J.P. Taravella High School had a chance to see and hear from Washington Redskins wide-receiver Santana Moss.

"I'm a professional football player who dreamt from day one, that's what I wanted to be" Moss told CBS4 Mojo Jim Robinson. Now, on his 5th season with the Redskins, Moss shared a few words of wisdom from his success.

Principal of JPT High School, Shawn Cerra says, "I think it's important for them to get the reinforcement here at school, but more importantly, hear success stories".

Moss's success story comes with much more then grass stains. Growing up in Carol City wasn't easy. Constantly teased for being short didn't discourage him from achieving his dreams. That's the message he wants these students to catch on to.

Freshman David Torrente said, "Growing up in a bad neighborhood, and he didn't use that as an excuse, he still did his best so he could become someone important in life."

A similar reaction came from Kadajah Braddy, another freshman: "I just like how he motivates everyone. He keeps it real," she adds.

Moss's life has been very real, tough and busy. But, he takes time to share his story with students. "I had to believe, and I had to dream. And I had to realize that if that person that I'm looking up to is doing it than I can do it".

Students looking up to him today are going away with more than autographs, and photos for their bedroom wall. They're taking his advice.

"Go hard, play football, that's what I'm planning to do. They call me Santana Moss too at my football field, so I'm going to try and do the best I can," said Tevon Stewart.

The NFL star also shared his thoughts about life today. Even with success and a career many dream of, he says, "Life isn't easy; it's still not easy for me now"

(cbs4.com)