Photo by Matt Stone

Randy Moss has transformed his image off the field with the same speed that makes him almost impossible to defend on the field.

Five months ago, industry experts were describing Moss as “radioactive” to marketers because of his image as an NFL problem child.

What a difference a few games and a fresh start make. Moss has been praised as a team leader by Patriots [team stats] players and coaches, while his performance on the gridiron this season has been stellar.

Yesterday, American Youth Football, the nation’s largest football organization for youngsters, announced Moss will be its new national spokesman and advocate.

Moss’s clothing firm, Randy Moss Clothing Co., will also become the “official team uniform supplier” to the AYF, via his firm’s new “Grabman” apparel brand. Moss is also setting up a new nonprofit charity to help needy youth-football programs buy uniforms and equipment for young players. “I think he’s really matured,” Joe Galat, president of AYF and a former NFL coach.

Moss has been seen as a big risk for both the Pats and marketers because of some past antics, on and off the field. While generally acknowledged to be one of the greatest receivers in the game, Moss had a reputation before joining the Pats for slacking on the field. He once famously celebrated a touchdown by pretending to moon Green Bay Packers fans.

But Galat and Michael Levy, co-owner of Moss’s clothing company, said Moss is genuinely committed these days to winning (and even taking a pay cut to do so) and helping children.

“He’s definitely known as a bad boy,” said Levy. “But Randy happens to be a very good person. Everyone has their ups and downs in life. He’s very happy now (with the Pats).”

Noting Moss has always helped out kids (including paying to bus 45 children to see last night’s Pats game in Cincinnati), Galat said Moss’s new connection to AYF is beneficial to both sides.

Morris, Pats make a run for it
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It’s all just so perfect
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