Randy Moss Steps Back From ESPN To Focus On 'Personal Health'
Randy Moss is stepping back from his role on Sunday NFL Countdown to prioritize his health as his family is 'battling something internally.'
Randy Moss is stepping back from his role on "Sunday NFL Countdown" to prioritize his health.
The former NFL star, known for his legendary 14-season career with teams including the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers, is temporarily leaving the weekly ESPN broadcast.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, Randy Moss is best remembered for his standout performances with the Vikings and Patriots.
Randy Moss Stepping Away From ESPN Due To 'Personal Health Challenge'
On Friday, December 6, ESPN insider Adam Schefter shared the news on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, reporting that the 47-year-old former NFL player is "stepping away" to "address a personal health challenge." Schefter also included ESPN's official statement in his post.
"Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss will step away from 'Sunday NFL Countdown' for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge. He briefly addressed the matter at the start of the show on Dec. 1," ESPN began in their statement. "For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating Countdown with his insight and passion. He has ESPN’s full support, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready."
Randy Moss Revealed His Family Is 'Battling Something Internally'
During the December 1 broadcast, Randy Moss opened up to viewers, sharing that his family is "battling something internally" and explaining that he "couldn't miss the show" because he wanted "to be here with you guys."
Moss, who drew attention for wearing sunglasses during the pregame segment, addressed their significance directly. He reassured viewers that he has "some great doctors around" him and that he feels "great." However, he added, "if y'all see me with these Michigan turnover glasses that I have on, it's not being disrespectful because I'm on television. Man, I'm battling something I need all the prayer warriors."
Randy Moss Asks For Prayers
Prior to the December 1 broadcast, Randy Moss took to Instagram to share additional details about his condition, providing further insight into what he and his family are currently facing.
"Throughout the week of the holidays, your boy has been battling something internal," Moss revealed on his social media account. “I just ask for all the prayer warriors to put their blessing hands on me and my family through these hard times.”
"Y'all do your checkups, get your blood work done, and we’ll work through it," he added.
Randy Moss Shares More Information Regarding His Health
Later that same day, Moss posted a follow-up video on Instagram, addressing the concern from fans and friends. "There's going to be people concerned and asking questions. At this time, I'm just going to keep a lot of things private. Just bear with me. But like I said, I need your prayers," he shared.
The post drew an outpouring of support from A-list friends, including Jamie Foxx, who commented, "We gotchu prayers up," and Tom Brady, who showed his support by liking the video.
His remarkable NFL career, which spanned from 1998 to 2012 (excluding a gap year in 2011), earned him six Pro Bowl selections and four first-team All-Pro honors.
Randy Moss Talks Favorite NFL WRs
While confident he would dominate in today’s NFL, Randy Moss emphasized his deep respect for the league’s current wide receivers, expressing his admiration for their talent and love for watching elite players excel at the position.
He named Justin Jefferson, Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, and Garrett Wilson as some of his favorite wideouts to watch. Moss also gave special recognition to Tyreek Hill, praising his skills and noting that he believes Hill could achieve the milestone of 2,000 receiving yards in a season.
"I'm so hyped on a guy like Tyreek Hill for the Miami Dolphins because of everything that he's able to do," Moss told Bleacher Report last year. "And to mix that with some speed, you know, the sky's the limit."
Randy Moss officially retired from the NFL after the 2012 season. His final game was Super Bowl XLVII, where he played for the San Francisco 49ers in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Moss initially retired in 2011 but returned to play one more season with the 49ers in 2012 before retiring for good.
