While watching ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” you may have noticed that one of the stars of the show is missing. NFL legend Randy Moss is one of the best wide receivers in league history, but he has also become a fan favorite as a broadcaster in recent years. Moss recently announced that he is taking a leave of absence from the pregame show, and it’s unfortunately due to a cancer diagnosis that required surgery.
Randy Moss Announces Cancer Diagnosis
Moss has been a staple on “Sunday NFL Countdown” since 2016, but he is currently on a leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer.
Moss told fans that he recently had a Whipple procedure, which “involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and the bile duct,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “The Whipple procedure is also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy. It’s often used to treat pancreatic cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the pancreas.”
On Instagram Live, Moss spoke to fans and said he is now a cancer survivor. In addition to the recent procedure, Moss is also undergoing chemotherapy.
“All the prayers, the well wishes, I really felt that, my family felt that,” Moss said on IG Live. “As soon as I get healthy to get back out with guys, I will be on set… Hopefully, I can be with you guys soon. My goal is to get back on television with my team.”
On the Dec. 1 episode of “NFL Sunday Countdown,” Moss revealed that he was “battling something internally” and explained he would be wearing glasses throughout the show (since fans pointed out that his eyes looked a bit yellow the week before). In a display of solidarity, Moss’ “Sunday NFL Countdown” colleagues also wore glasses.
Prior to the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 15 game against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, Moss’ former teammates Cris Carter and Jake Reed carried his Vikings jersey out to midfield to honor him during the pregame coin toss.
“In honor of Randy Moss and all those fighting cancer, let’s Moss cancer!” the PA announcer said to roars from the fans in attendance.
You're with us tonight, 84 💜#LetsMossCancer pic.twitter.com/ZVjoFqxLUp
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2024
After Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson scored a touchdown in the first quarter, he celebrated by making a heart gesture and shouting out the Vikings legend.
“We love you, Randy,” Jefferson shouted. “That’s for you!”
That one is for you, @RandyMoss 💜💛#LetsMossCancer pic.twitter.com/uG31Zqkx8G
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2024
Arguably the most physically dominant receiver in NFL history, Moss’ ability to embarrass opposing defensive backs with leaping contested catches inspired a generation of “You Got Mossed!” highlights.
A 1998 first-round pick by the Vikings, Moss was electric from the start. He led the league with a record-setting 17 touchdown catches in his first NFL season, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and finishing third in MVP voting. Moss ranked first in touchdown receptions twice more with the Vikings, earning five total Pro Bowl nods in Minnesota.
After a brief stint with the Raiders, Moss was traded to the New England Patriots in 2007 and quickly became the cornerstone of one of the best offenses the NFL has ever seen. He holds the single-season touchdown reception record after scoring 23 times in 2007.
Moss is a Hall of Famer who totaled 156 receiving TDs (second in NFL history) and 15,292 receiving yards (fourth in NFL history). He is a six-time Pro Bowler, five-time receiving TDs leader, and four-time All-Pro. He was selected to the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. In PFN’s recent ranking of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Moss was ranked No. 2 behind only Jerry Rice.
