Randy Moss was brought to tears as he viewed messages of encouragement from figures such as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick during his return to NFL Countdown.
The ESPN analyst departed from his position with the network two months prior following cancer surgery.
Randy Moss made his return to TV for this year’s Super Bowl, joining his Countdown co-hosts inside the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are set to compete at the venue that evening. To celebrate Moss’ return to ESPN, a special video was played with messages from Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Justin Jefferson, and others. “Welcome back, Randy. I’m sure the guys on the set have missed you, and we’ve all missed you too,” Brady expressed in the video.
“You’ve been a staple on that show for years, just as you were a fixture on the field. While your on-field greatness and the strength and resilience you showed throughout your Hall of Fame career were remarkable, it’s what you’ve accomplished off the field that has truly impressed and inspired us.”
Receiver Justin Jefferson shared how he admired Moss as a child, saying he was deeply “inspired” by his journey. Other NFL stars and legends, such as Malik Nabers, Micah Parsons, and Jerry Rice, also expressed their support in the heartfelt video. The outpouring of encouragement moved Moss to tears, and he expressed his gratitude for the love as he sat at the Countdown desk.
“I’m about to be a big crybaby here,” he said, wiping tears from his eyes.
“I couldn’t have made it through this alone. It’s been tough, but I’ve received so much love and support from people who believe in me, and that’s what kept me going. I’m just grateful to be here.”
“God bless you all,” Moss said.
He shared that it was his goal to be at this year’s Super Bowl after revealing in December that he had overcome cancer. Moss had a cancerous mass removed from his bile duct, located between his liver and pancreas, and spent six days in a hospital in Charlotte following a six-hour surgery.
“Your boy is a cancer survivor,” Moss declared at the time, expressing gratitude to his family, doctors, and supporters.
“It’s been challenging at times, but we made it through, and for that, I thank you all,” Moss said.
NFL fans also sent their best wishes to Moss and expressed their joy at seeing him back on TV, as ESPN posted a clip of his return online.
“Great to have you back, Randy, you’ve been in my thoughts and prayers. Let’s beat this thing,” one person wrote.
“We love you, Randy,” another commented.
“A legend back where he belongs,” a third added.
