NFL players and fans reacted with love and support over the weekend after Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss revealed he had been receiving cancer treatment.
Moss, 47, said earlier this month he was going to step away from his role as an analyst on ESPN to tend to his health. On Dec. 13 he announced on Instagram Live that he is a cancer survivor. Moss said doctors found cancer outside his bile ducts, which was affecting his liver function, USA Today reported.
“Some trying times, of course, but, you know, we made it through,” said Moss, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. “And for that I thank you all.”
“Let’s Moss cancer,” the longtime wide receiver posted on X.
Players and fans went on social media to offer support. Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen, who spent nine seasons with the Minnesota Vikings -- a team Moss played for from 1999 to 2004 -- wore a white No. 84 jersey when he arrived at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Panthers’ game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The New England Patriots, where Moss played in 2007 during New England’s Super Bowl season, tweeted that the player “doesn’t lose one-on-one matches.”
“Cancer is about to get Mossed and Patriots fans everywhere will continue to celebrate!”
Former Patriots teammate Julian Edelman called Moss “mental toughness in human form.”
Fellow Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter, who lined up at receiver with Moss in Minnesota from 1998 to 2004, offered prayers for his former teammate.
Former NFL safety Ryan Clark tweeted that Moss “is a hero to many.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them as he takes time to get his health in order, but this story is his to tell,” Clark said. “No matter how pure the intent or correct the information it’s no one’s business to share but the Moss’ family. Let them have their time. Let them have their love. Let them fight their fight. They deserve that privacy!”