Barely two weeks after Randy Moss’ yellow eyes sparked widespread concern and confusion about his health, Brett Favre’s post only added further caution to the wind. On X, he wrote, “Just heard that Randy Moss has liver cancer. Prayers to him and his family. Randy is and will always be one of the all time greats to ever run a route. Definitely on the NFL WR Mt. Rushmore.” At a time when the NFL world was already trying to connect the dots about the analyst, the tweet created so much confusion and chaos that even Moss’ son Thaddeus had to quickly dispel the rumors.

“Brett, the support is appreciated, truly. This is not true. My father will address the world when he is ready to,” he replied, prompting Favre to edit his original tweet and remove the ‘cancer’ part. Unfortunately, Favre was right…

The former Minnesota Vikings WR—with the second most touchdown catches in NFL history (156) behind Jerry Rice—who had joined ESPN in 2016, had first stepped away from his analyst role on December 5 citing a “personal health challenge”. But, as December 12 rolled by, Moss came on an Instagram Live, aiming to clear the air about the life-threatening crisis he was facing…

“I am a cancer survivor,” he revealed. Doctors had reportedly discovered cancer cells in Moss’ bile duct “right between the pancreas and the liver”. After a successful six-hour Whipple procedure (also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy) surgery to remove the cells, and a six-day hospital stay, Moss now faces chemotherapy and radiation. Yet his determination to keep fighting and return to ESPN speaks volumes about his strength. “Yes, it’s going to be a tough road with some chemo and radiation, but, like I said, man, I’m good.”

As per the legend, he had to go through two surgeries. One to put a stent in the bile duct, and the second to remove the cancer, which often been described as “aggressive” by oncologists. “These aggressive tumors of the bile ducts are also referred to as cholangiocarcinoma — extrahepatic when it is involving the ducts/tubes outside of the liver, and intrahepatic when it is in the drainage system/smaller ducts inside the liver,” a medical professional opined.

As for Moss, his goals were simple. Creating awareness about the condition, and returning to ESPN once he recovers. During the Live, he said, “I didn’t think I would ever be in a position like this, as healthy as I thought I was…especially Black men. You got to be able to check your ego at the door,” before adding, “As soon as I get healthy to get back out with guys, I will be on set… Hopefully, I can be with you guys soon.” After retiring from the NFL in 2012, Randy Moss transitioned into broadcasting, quickly becoming a fan favorite. He joined ESPN’s ‘Sunday NFL Countdown’, where he became a key part of the pregame coverage. Offering insights and analysis with his signature candidness and passion for the game, Moss’s presence on the show earned him widespread praise, and his relatable personality resonated with viewers. So, it wasn’t long before the network showed their gratitude to the 47-year-old the best way they could…

Despite Moss’ absence from the Sunday show, his co-hosts Mike Greenberg, Rex Ryan, Alex Smith and Teddy Bruschi have decided to continue with “You Got Mossed” (a weekly segment during the pre-game show highlighting WRs who leaped high to catch the ball over a defender)—an honor that the retired player hasn’t taken lightly.

Taking to X on December 21, he gave a shout out to his colleagues, beginning with a four-word heartwarming reminder, “@espn sunday nfl countdown……I MISS U TOO!!My guys keeping it going. UGM segment was great!!♥️♥️”.  But that’s not the only instance when we felt Moss’ magnanimous contributions in and out of the gridiron shine through…

Before the Vikings’ December 16 game against the Chicago Bears, former WRs Jake Reed and Cris Carter walked into the field for the coin toss, with a Moss No. 84 Vikings jersey held high. “Ran-dy, Ran-dy,” chanted fans, as a voice boomed all over the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis: “In honor of Randy Moss and all those fighting cancer, let’s Moss cancer.” Later, The Mossiah shared the tweet and wrote, “LUV U ALL!#letsmosscancer”. 

After the Vikings WR Justin Jefferson scored his first-quarter TD against the Bears, pushing his team to a 10-0 lead, he made a heart with his hands, and said directly to the camera, “We love you Randy! That’s for you.” During a post-game interview after their 30-12 win, the WR further said, “I’m grateful for what he has done for this game, and what he has done for me as a kid. Just watching him and being a fan of him, I’ve always got to show love to him.”

Even the team’s HC Kevin O’Connell extended his warm wishes for Moss, saying, 

“I just want to, on behalf of the whole Minnesota Vikings organization, just send him our well wishes and support. We love Randy and know our fanbase feels the same way.” But the tributes don’t stop there…

Irvin’s touching message to Moss and the Minnesota Vikings’ tribute highlights the deep respect the NFL community has for the Hall of Famer.

Michael Irvin and the Vikings pay heartfelt tributes to Moss

Michael Irvin, who has shared a long history with Moss, sent his well wishes through a heartfelt video. “You know I love you… You know we’re pulling for you, brother,” Irvin said, his voice filled with emotion. As if to add some humor, he also made light of the moment with a reference to his ‘crazy chef‘ walking in the background. However, that trademark Irvin humor didn’t overshadow his sincere wishes for Moss’s recovery.

Irvin’s tribute, as unconventional as it was, perfectly captured the essence of his friendship with Moss. Irvin’s humor, combined with his genuine concern, offered a moment of lightness in what has been a difficult time for Moss. The two have always shared a deep bond, forged through years of playing in the NFL and now reinforced through their support for each other. “I’m pulling for you,” Irvin continued, clearly speaking from the heart. As the legend moves through a tough period in his life, fans and teams are all standing by his side.

Moss’s boldness on the gridiron translated into his open and honest approach to his illness. His journey is far from over, and as he continues his treatment, we know the NFL world will be right there with him, cheering him on every step of the way.