Former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss has received an outpouring of support since revealing his battle with cancer.
The Hall of Famer took to social media on Friday to share the devastating news, telling his followers that he has been in the hospital for the past six days and revealing the truth behind his health issues.
Moss, who retired from his duties at ESPN while he undergoes treatment, also explained that he currently cannot walk without a cane.
In the Instagram Live video, a frail Moss can be seen limping around, wearing a ‘Team Moss’ t-shirt, before revealing: ‘I’ve been telling everyone for the past few weeks that I’m fighting something internal, and boy. He’s a cancer survivor.’
Later in the clip, he reveals: ‘I had cancer, they found it in the bile duct, right between the pancreas and the liver, and the cancer was right outside the bile duct.
“Then my doctors came in, operated on me for six hours, and for many of you wondering, you can Google it.” I had a Whipple procedure. “To the best doctor in the United States, Dr. (John) Martinie, I will be forever grateful.”
Randy Moss has received an outpouring of support after revealing he has cancer.
Moss announced Friday night that doctors found cancer near his bile duct.
Moss later told her fans that she was “watching her way back,” revealing, “It’s going to be a tough road with some chemo and some radiation.”
Moss subsequently received tremendous support from fans and former teammates of the two teams with which he is best associated.
Rob Gronkowski, who was with Moss on the Patriots in his final season in New England, took to X to post: “I love you Randy.” Dominating your opponents is what you have always done and you will surely do it again! You got this!!’
Brett Favre, who played against and with Moss, posted: ‘Prayers for Randy Moss and his family.’ Randy is and always will be one of the all-time great route runners. Definitely at the NFL WR Mt. Rushmore.
Julian Edelman, who played two seasons with Moss, also tweeted: “Mental toughness in human form.” We are all with you 81. I love you, darling.’
Fellow Vikings legend and Hall of Famer Cris Carter posted: “Join me in praying for @RandyMoss @nfl @vikings.”
Both Patriots and Vikings team Twitter accounts also sent messages of support.
“We’ve celebrated so many tremendous catches by Randy Moss during his Hall of Fame career, but none more important than his most recent catch,” the Patriots tweeted. ‘@RandyMoss doesn’t lose one-on-one matchups. Cancer is about to get Mossed and Patriots fans everywhere will continue to celebrate!
Several former teammates, fans and teams he played for expressed their support.
The Vikings posted Moss’ quote about being a cancer survivor along with this message: “Glad to hear it, @RandyMoss.” Thinking and praying for you and your family as you finish your treatments. Let’s moss cancer!’
ESPN college basketball commentator Dick Vitale, a four-time cancer survivor who just found out two days ago that he is cancer-free, posted: “Wishing @RandyMoss the best for one of the best receivers in the game.” @NFL in its battle against cancer.” Randy always in your fight to overcome that brutal disease “THINK POSITIVE AND HAVE FAITH” (prayer hands emojis) for you.’
Moss was selected 21st overall in the 1998 NFL draft by the Vikings out of Marshall University. After seven seasons in Minnesota, in 2005, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for linebacker Napoleon Harris and a first- and seventh-round pick.
After two seasons, he was traded to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round pick. It was with the Patriots that Moss formed his most productive QB-WR partnership with Tom Brady and came closest to winning a Super Bowl.
He played three full seasons in New England before being traded back to Minnesota midway through the 2010 season. He only played briefly with the Vikings before being waived and claimed by the Tennessee Titans.
Moss initially retired in 2011 before returning to play one more season in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Raiders, Titans and Niners have not issued statements of support for Moss following his announcement.