Randy Moss got all geared up Thursday, but it wasn't in pads and a football helmet.
Rather, the Pro Football Hall of Famer donned swim trunks and a khaki bucket hat as he joined 350 students from Florida nonprofit organizations for the 13th annual World's Largest Swimming Lesson. The event took place at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
"We want you to know how important it is for you to be able to swim, understand what water safety means," Moss told young people from Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.
Moss welcomed the youth with help from none other than Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who drew just as big of a reaction – if not more – than the phenom receiver turned ESPN analyst.
"They're here to have fun. What do they say [about Disney]? Dreams do come true here," Moss said. "The kids are coming and they're seeing Mickey, they're seeing Minnie, and then they're getting a swim lesson at the same time.
"Plus, Florida is hot, and they get to play in the water. I love being a part of something like this," he added. "Safety on the water is most important."
Moss made his NFL career catching footballs, but he's also an avid fisherman who spends plenty of time on the water, as his personal Instagram account shows.
Moss emphasized the critical need for kids to learn how to swim, especially in a region like Central Florida where there are numerous lakes, ponds, waterways and swimming pools.
The young people were split up into group sessions and afterwards put their swimming skills into action, enjoying all the magic and watery attractions at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
"I'm not that good of a swimmer," said Carson, one of the Boys & Girls Clubs participants, "but this helped me become a better swimmer. I really enjoyed learning the Superman [float]. That was cool."
Look at exclusive images as the legendary Randy Moss received his Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring during halftime of Sunday night's game against the Packers.
Faron Kelley, Vice President of Disney Water Parks, was on-hand for the unique event.
"Safety is our number one priority at Disney," said Kelley. "We want to make sure that people can enjoy these amazing things that we have … and they've gotta be safe to have a good time. That's really what we're focused on here today."
The World's Largest Swimming Lesson takes place annually at various sites around the world and serves as a platform to help aquatic facilities engage with their surrounding youth communities.
The event at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon was the largest event site in Florida.
