Former Vikings wide receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed honored their teammate Randy Moss before the Monday night game against the Bears, just days after Moss revealed he had undergone surgery for bile duct cancer. The two players, serving as honorary captains, brought Moss’s jersey to midfield to pay tribute to the Hall of Famer.
During the first quarter of the game, current Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold connected with wide receiver Justin Jefferson for a touchdown. After scoring, Jefferson turned to the camera to express his love for Moss, dedicating the touchdown to him. “Every game is a plan to get into the end zone, but I definitely wanted to give a tribute to him on one of my touchdowns,” Jefferson stated. He shared his gratitude for Moss’s influence on the game and expressed appreciation for his childhood admiration of the legendary player. Additionally, Jefferson texted Moss to wish him well, expressing happiness to hear about Moss’s positive news regarding his battle with cancer.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, a former teammate of Moss in New England, emphasized the significant impact Moss has had on the organization. The team aimed to acknowledge Moss’s contributions on the field while also celebrating their victory against the Bears, reinforcing the strong legacy of receivers in Minnesota.
This heartfelt tribute not only highlights the respect and admiration the players have for Moss but also showcases the community and camaraderie that sports can foster, especially in challenging times.
In summary, the Vikings’ tribute to Randy Moss reflects not just a remembrance of his extraordinary career but also serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and support during difficult times, emphasizing the profound connections forged through sports.