NEW ORLEANS — Renowned Hall of Famer Randy Moss made a heartfelt return to ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage on Sunday, just two months after taking a leave to undergo treatment for cancer. Moss appeared on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” prior to the matchup between Kansas City and Philadelphia, receiving a warm welcome through a video featuring messages from prominent figures such as Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Justin Jefferson, Kevin Garnett, and others.
The emotional video brought Moss to tears as he prepared to analyze the Super Bowl. “It’s been tough, but I’m surrounded by so much love and support. I’m thrilled to be back,” he shared.
Moss had stepped away from ESPN in early December following surgery for cancer. He revealed that a cancerous mass was detected in his bile duct, located between the pancreas and liver. On Thanksgiving, he had surgery to insert a stent in his liver, followed by a significant six-hour operation to remove the cancer later on. Moss also mentioned that he would be undergoing radiation and chemotherapy as part of his treatment plan.
Since joining ESPN in 2016, Moss has become a mainstay on the network’s programming. Approaching his 48th birthday this Thursday, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 after a notable 14-year career with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers.
As a record-setting player, Moss ranks second in NFL history with 156 touchdown receptions and fourth in all-time receiving yards with 15,292. Additionally, he holds the NFL record for the most touchdown receptions in a single season with 23, achieved in 2007 while playing for the Patriots.