Randy Moss Rejoins ESPN for Super Bowl LIX Following Cancer Diagnosis
February 9, 2025
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NFL legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss made an emotional return to ESPN’s “NFL Countdown on Sunday,” just two months after stepping away to battle bile duct cancer.
Upon watching a heartfelt “welcome back” video featuring messages from Tom Brady, Justin Jefferson, Kevin Garnett, Daunte Culpepper, and others, Moss was visibly moved. “It’s been hard, but I got a lot of love and a lot of people believing in me,” an emotional Moss said. “I’m happy to be here.”
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Moss had announced his cancer diagnosis in December, revealing that he needed surgery and would undergo chemotherapy and radiation.
He took a brief hiatus from ESPN at that time to focus on his health. “I just wanted y’all to see I did bounce back,” Moss previously shared via Instagram Live, encouraging those battling cancer. “There are a lot of people out there who are either battling cancer or they’ve had cancer in their family, people who are fighting.”
Former NFL player and current ESPN personality Randy Moss walks on the field prior to the game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in… Former NFL player and current ESPN personality Randy Moss walks on the field prior to the game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
After his health announcement, Moss received an outpouring of support, including a special message from Marie Green, the widow of former Vikings coach Dennis Green, who said, “Randy, you are fighting, and you will win.”
Moss also launched the “Team Moss” merchandise line to raise money for cancer research, continuing to inspire others in his fight.
As he returned to ESPN, Moss expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received from friends, family, and fans.
“Hey man, it’s great. It’s a pleasure to be here,” Moss said. “Man, Super Bowl LIX. When I was diagnosed…I was talking to [ESPN producer] Seth Markman, I was telling him, ‘I’m gonna stay strong. I’m gonna beat this thing.’ And my goal was to be here with you guys. So man, God bless you guys for staying strong with me, with the prayers, the prayer warriors, my doctors, my beautiful wife traveling with me. [I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else] than with you guys for Super Bowl LIX. It’s a great, great day to be here.”
“Y’all already know it’s a big crybaby here,” Moss joked, adding, “I couldn’t do it alone. I really thank y’all—NFL, my teammates, I seen Pep [Culpepper], I seen Mrs. Green, I seen Brady, Belichick. Hey guys, it’s been hard, but I got a lot of love, and a lot of people believe in me, man. So I’m happy to be here.”
Moss is widely considered one of the greatest receivers in NFL history. Over his 14-year career, he caught 156 touchdown passes, the second-most in league history, and set the single-season record for receiving touchdowns with 23 in 2007.
During his absence, Moss continued to stay connected with the NFL community. He made a remote appearance at NFL Honors, where he presented the Comeback Player of the Year award to Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, introduced by fellow wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
“Playing wide receiver in the NFL is a dream job. But playing this position in Minnesota means something a little extra,” Jefferson said. “Because of the tradition of excellence we’ve got going on there, the list has plenty of stars on it. There is no name bigger, no icon more legendary than Randy Moss.”
Jefferson’s words were a reminder of Moss’s lasting legacy, and Moss responded with humility, wearing a “Team Moss” beanie and hoodie. “I don’t need to tell you how amazing Randy Moss was on the field,” Jefferson continued. “But I also know I don’t need to tell you about the fight Randy is in right now … So let’s let him know how much we are praying for him right now.”
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