MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Jefferson dashed across the back of the end zone, elevated into the air to snag a pass from Sam Darnold, and erupted into an exuberant celebration following an early touchdown for the Minnesota Vikings.
The lively dance concluded with a heartfelt nod to one of his biggest inspirations, Randy Moss.
“We love you, Randy!” Jefferson proclaimed to the camera, forming a heart shape with his fingers, signifying the appreciation the Vikings players and fans have for the Hall of Fame receiver, who launched his impressive career with Minnesota in 1998.
Recently, Moss shared that he has been diagnosed with cancer in his bile duct, which was surgically removed after a six-hour operation that required six days of hospitalization. Although he is currently on leave from his role as an ESPN studio analyst, Moss has expressed his determination to return to television as soon as he is able.
For their Monday night game against the Chicago Bears, the Vikings honored former wide receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed — who, alongside Moss, formed the renowned “Three Deep” that propelled the team to a record-setting 15-1 season in 1998, culminating in a heartbreaking overtime loss in the NFC Championship. Carter and Reed proudly displayed a replica Moss jersey as they participated in the pregame coin toss.
Moss responded affectionately on social media, sharing the message with a clever hashtag: “Let’s Moss Cancer.” The phrase “You got Mossed!” has been a signature part of ESPN’s broadcasts, featuring moments where a receiver bested a defender, similar to Moss’s dazzling plays across his 14 years in the NFL, during which he accumulated four All-Pro accolades and 156 receiving touchdowns, ranking second for all time.
“I’m thankful for everything he has contributed to the game and the impact he’s had on me as a young admirer,” Jefferson stated following the Vikings’ 30-12 win over Chicago, donning a Moss jersey during his post-game locker room talk. “Being a fan of his always means giving him love.”
Jefferson, who played alongside Moss’s son, Thaddeus, at LSU, mentioned he recently reached out to Moss via text to extend his well wishes after the news broke about his cancer diagnosis.
“He will always be in my thoughts and prayers,” Jefferson added. “His influence on people, including me and many others, is truly extraordinary.”
However, Jefferson did express some disappointment over missing a chance for a second tribute. In the second quarter, he was poised to secure a 30-yard touchdown catch from Darnold but turned towards the goal line just a moment too soon and dropped the ball instead.
“Not getting that second touchdown will definitely keep me up at night. I guess it’ll have to wait until next week,” Jefferson remarked, adding, “Please, let’s not dwell on it. I was definitely hard on myself afterward. Those are the chances you’ve got to seize, and I’m upset about that one. It was a perfect route and a fantastic throw by Sam, but I simply lost focus.”
Surely, Moss would understand, especially considering the impressive trajectory Jefferson is on with the franchise known for its prolific receiving talent. He is on course to potentially join Moss and Carter in the Hall of Fame one day.
“I’m just glad to see him back on his feet and socializing again,” Jefferson said. “God bless him.”