ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown kicked off its Super Bowl LIX coverage with an emotional tribute to Randy Moss, celebrating his return following his battle with cancer.
In a touching video segment shared on social media, several current and former NFL figures—including Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Justin Jefferson—sent heartfelt messages welcoming Moss, 47, back to the show. The tribute deeply moved the panel, especially Moss himself.
“Y’all already know it’s the big crybaby here,” Moss said, wiping away tears. He expressed his gratitude to the “NFL and my teammates,” as well as to those who participated in the tribute. “Hey y’all, I can’t do it alone,” he continued. “It’s been hard, but I got a lot of love and a lot of people believe in me, man.”
Moss Thanks His Support System
Sunday NFL Countdown host Mike Greenberg acknowledged that they had initially assured Moss they wouldn’t make a big deal out of his return. However, despite the surprise, Moss took it in stride.
“I’m happy to be here,” he said before playfully addressing Greenberg, “Greenie, don’t do it again. Let’s get this show started.”
Moss has been a key analyst on Sunday NFL Countdown since 2016 but stepped away from the show in December 2024 due to health concerns. He later revealed he had been diagnosed with liver cancer and underwent a successful six-hour surgery to remove a cancerous mass.
Randy Moss
Randy Moss Shares His Cancer Journey
“Ya boy is a cancer survivor,” Moss said in an Instagram Live video in December. He explained that doctors discovered the cancer in his bile duct, located between the pancreas and liver. “The cancer was sitting right outside the bile duct,” he added.
At the time, Moss expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from the football community. “All the prayers, the well wishes—I really felt that, my family felt that,” he said.
“As soon as I get healthy to get back out with my guys, I will be on set. … Hopefully, I can be with you guys soon. My goal is to get back on television with my team.”
Moss Provides Health Update at NFL Honors
On Thursday, February 6, Moss made a virtual appearance during the 2025 NFL Honors, providing an update on his recovery.
“Good evening, everybody. How y’all doing? It is great to talk to you tonight,” Moss said in livestream footage from the event, which took place in New Orleans.
He continued, “I’m sorry I could not be there in person to join you all, but I want to send a special thank you to all of my doctors, my beautiful wife, my children, my family, my teammates, and all the prayer warriors out there. We are Mossing cancer, and I cannot wait to get back on television with all my guys.”
