Randy Moss, the legendary wide receiver known for his remarkable tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, received heartfelt tributes from former teammates Cris Carter and Jake Reed during a recent pregame ceremony. As they took part in the coin toss before the game against the Chicago Bears, Carter and Reed held aloft a Vikings jersey emblazoned with Moss’ name and number, 84. This touching gesture came after Moss disclosed that he is currently battling cancer but has undergone successful surgery.
The crowd erupted into chants for Moss as the two former players honored their friend. This spirit of camaraderie was further exemplified when current Vikings star Justin Jefferson scored a touchdown in the first quarter and expressed his affection for Moss by making a heart symbol and shouting, “We love you Randy! That’s for you!”
The tributes didn’t stop there. Adam Thielen, a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers and a Minnesota native, wore a Moss jersey while arriving for his game against the Dallas Cowboys. Thielen shared that Moss was his inspiration for pursuing a football career, illustrating Moss’s profound impact on the sport.
Moss, who was drafted by the Vikings in 1998, is remembered for an extraordinary rookie season where he scored 17 touchdowns. His legacy includes seven seasons with the Vikings and a brief return at the end of his career. Although he has taken a temporary leave from hosting ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” the deep love and respect from fans and players alike remind everyone of the indelible mark he has left on the game and the community.
This sentimental acknowledgment of Moss not only showcases the strong bonds formed on and off the field but also serves as a beacon of hope during his health journey, emphasizing the enduring support from his past teammates and the football community.