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SPORTS
Moss vows commitment to W.Va. kids
NFL superstar Randy Moss signs autographs for of young fans prior to the annual Boys and Girls' Club Dinner at the Pullman Plaza Hotel. Moss, the featured speaker at Friday's dinner, took time to meet with fans and sign some Moss memorabilia before the event.
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HUNTINGTON -- Randy Moss clearly was settled into his comfort zone, and it had nothing to do with dismissing overmatched defensive backs.
In what admittedly was an emotional, memorable day, the record-setting NFL standout was honored for efforts removed from football. Moss, Marshall University's first Heisman Trophy candidate, capped Friday with an engaging, often jovial speech at the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington annual fundraising dinner. Moss served as guest speaker at the invitation of his Thundering Herd coach, Bobby Pruett, and Elsie Pruett.
Earlier in the afternoon, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a limited-edition envelope honoring the New England Patriots wideout. He then visited the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington before delivering his message to a packed Pullman Plaza Hotel crowd.
Over and again, the Rand, W.Va., native stressed his commitment to youth-based charities within the Mountain State.
"I feel it's important to get ourselves right," Moss said of putting West Virginia community efforts first.
Moss annually hosts autographs sessions near his hometown and travels busloads of children to amusement parks and sporting events. Friday's recognition for efforts beyond a burgeoning Hall of Fame career led to his tearful response.
"I don't need the pat on the back," Moss said. "The kids do. That's what really got me caught up and emotional, because all I could really think about was growing up and not really having access to anything and now that I have that opportunity to give back -- maybe with my time, a few words, an autograph, a hug, whatever it may be -- I just want people to know that I'm sincere.
"I want you to know that what I'm going to continue to do for the state of West Virginia is all coming from my heart and nowhere else."
The mood was decisively light at Pullman Plaza Hotel, established early by Marshall football coach Mark Snyder. Bobby Pruett was unable to attend because of duties as Virginia's new defensive coordinator, and Snyder filled in. After stepping to the podium, Snyder drew laughter from the crowd and Moss by donning a New England Patriots "hoodie" sweatshirt made popular by Pats coach Bill Belichick.
He then spoke of a Son of Marshall who often averts attention from his community work.
"Class is what you do when you think nobody is looking, and Randy does a lot of things nobody knows about," Snyder said.
Highlighting the evening was a question and answer session with the crowd. Youngsters eagerly grabbed the microphone to speak with Moss, who set an NFL single-season record with 23 touchdown receptions last season.
What sparked his signature touchdown move (spreading his arms apart, palms out) last season? After hearing critics opine that he possibly had lost a step and no longer was a gamebreaker, Moss said he wanted to show he "could still part defenses."
Who was his favorite NFL player growing up? The late Chicago Bear Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton. Moss gladly paid an NFL fine after writing Payton's No. 34 on his towel during a game, a violation of the league dress code.
Friday's common thread, however, was providing opportunities for children. Moss said he'll continue that effort this summer by hosting a first-time golf event at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Hurricane.
"I'm not going to stop giving back," Moss said. "I want to start here."
