In a heartfelt gesture, two former Minnesota Vikings wide receivers, Cris Carter and Jake Reed, honored their legendary teammate Randy Moss before the start of Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears. This tribute came just days after Moss, who is currently battling bile duct cancer, announced he had undergone surgery.
Carter and Reed served as honorary captains for the game and brought Moss’s jersey to midfield, showcasing their support and the lasting bond they share with 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 took a moment to express his admiration for Moss, dedicating the touchdown to him and saying, “I love you, Moss.”
“I definitely wanted to give a tribute to him on one of my touchdowns,” Jefferson explained. “I’m grateful for what he has done for this game and how he influenced me as a fan. I’ve always got to show love for him.” In a touching display of solidarity, Jefferson also reached out to Moss with well wishes, expressing his joy at hearing that Moss had overcome cancer.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, a former teammate of Moss during their time in New England, reiterated the significant impact Moss has had on the organization, stating he “means the world” to the team. The Vikings not only paid tribute to Moss with their actions on the field, but they also celebrated a victory, reinforcing the enduring legacy of the exceptional receivers who’ve graced the franchise.
In summary, this tribute emphasizes the strong sense of community and support within the Vikings organization, illustrating how past and present players honor their history and each other. This serves as a hopeful reminder of the power of resilience and friendship in the face of adversity.