Sinorice Moss has challenged kids across the nation to Dare to Dream! Moss, a Florida native, played college football at the University of Miami, where he was a standout wide receiver as well as a champion track star. He was selected in second round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami by the Giants and was a member of the Superbowl winning team in 2007 that cut short the New England Patriots previously undefeated season. Moss is currently on the roster of the Philadelphia Eagles and looking to set another major city on fire with his playing abilities.

A true world-class athlete, Sinorice Moss’ explosive performance on the field is matched by his unwavering commitment to the youth who are following in his footsteps. Through his own dedication and hard work, Sinorice is a living example to the youth he supports and advocates for, proving that any individual with a similar mindset can always accomplish his or her dreams.

Sinorice founded the Dare to Dream Foundation in order to help challenge children and teachers take an “I can” attitude in life. This will help to empower kids with the proper mentality of making dreams come true and to provide them with the educational tools to succeed in life.

In his spare time, Sinorice has also held guest starring roles in several TV shows and films, including the hit independent film “This Time” which co-starred Reagan Gomez. The movie dealt with the complex range of feelings that a loss loved ones whom enter the battlefield but do not return home bring about in the lives of millions of Americans.

Moss is the younger brother of Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss, who was also a standout wide receiver for the University of Miami prior to entering the NFL. He has one son, Sinorice Moss Jr.

INTERVIEW | Getting to Know Sinorice Moss:

1. What inspired you to start the Dare to Dream Foundation? What made you want to include teachers? Is there a story behind that? Two years ago, I noticed that a number of schools in Miami were shutting down due to poor test scores and a lack of funding.

I wanted to find a way to jump directly into the classrooms to provide support for individual students, because they were the ones suffering the most from the school closures. That’s when I decide to start the Dare to Dream Foundation. I wanted students to feel that they had people on their side who inspired them not only to have big dreams, but also to accomplish them.

I wanted to include teachers because they are such an important part of the equation. They come in to work every day to fight what sometimes seems like a losing battle, especially in some of the more under-funded school districts. Teachers can have such a huge impact on the development of students. One particular guidance counselor of mine in high school, Ms. Black, challenged me to think beyond graduating high school. It was because of her encouragement and support that I went on to attend the University of Miami.

2. What is the key to balancing a thriving football career with running a non-profit? My team, both on and off the field, is the biggest key to my success in football and in my non-profit. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who support you and believe in you.

While I’m playing football, it’s difficult for me to be as involved with Dare to Dream as I usually am during the off season, so I am grateful that there are people who are willing to help me.

My football teammates and friends are also very supportive, constantly calling me about Dare to Dream, upcoming events, and ways they can help. A lot of them show their support on Twitter, and I’m so thankful that they are enthusiastic and willing to help out.

3. How has football helped you succeed in running your non-profit? You can’t just wake up and decide that you’re going to play in the NFL. You need to train, learn the plays, and work with your team, all of which takes time, effort, and determination.

The same goes for the Dare to Dream Foundation. I spent over two years building the foundation, and it took a lot of hard work from many committed individuals to get where we are today. That is the message that I want to send to the students we work with, that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to, but it still takes a lot of time and willpower.

4. What advice would you give other young professionals who desire to start or run a foundation? I would say to make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons. A lot of people, not just athletes, start non-profits for marketing or PR reasons, and their foundations don’t end up doing anything.

The second piece of advice is to surround yourself with mentors and knowledgeable people who can help you along the way. It’s really important to have a support system and a team of advocates that will fight for what they believe in. I wouldn’t have been able to get Dare to Dream off the ground without the help and advice of my friends and family.

5. What’s been the best experience of your football career thus far (or the most rewarding)? What’s been the most fulfilling experience with the Dare to Dream Foundation?

Winning the XLII Super bowl with the New York Giants in 2007 was probably the best experience of my career so far. Winning the Super bowl has been my biggest dream ever since I was a kid, and to be able to accomplish that dream is an unbelievable feeling that I still experience every day.

I think the most rewarding experience, though, was when I was able to come back from injury last year. I got hurt and I wasn’t able to play football at all during the season. I spent those months healing and getting back into football shape, but it was a long and incredibly difficult process. Luckily, I was able to stay motivated and had a lot of people helping me along the way. It is a blessing that I will be with the Philadelphia Eagles next season and I am still able to play the game that I love.

With Dare to Dream, I think the most fulfilling experience is the ongoing one of seeing teachers and students taking the initiative, setting goals, and pushing themselves to accomplish them, just like I did.

6. What’s next for you and the foundation? What should we look out for?

I’m just excited to continue to expand the Dare to Dream programs. Most of our programs are currently in New York and Florida, but we are constantly reaching out to different communities, cities, and states. We can’t wait for Dare to Dream to become a truly national organization that is able to help students and teachers across the country.

7. Lastly, give me three words to sum up Sinorice. Compassionate, optimistic, and committed.