Sunday Night Football took an emotional turn during NBC’s coverage of the Green Bay Packers-Seattle Seahawks game when announcers Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico paused their commentary to deliver heartfelt messages to Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss.
Moss, an NFL legend and ESPN analyst since 2016, recently revealed his battle with cancer. He shared that doctors had surgically removed a cancerous mass located between his pancreas and liver. While the surgery was successful, Moss will likely undergo further treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, to continue his recovery.
In light of this, Collinsworth and Tirico took a moment during the broadcast to honor Moss and offer their well-wishes.
Collinsworth’s Tribute to a Legend
“Can we say hello and wish well to Randy Moss?” Collinsworth began, his voice filled with admiration and concern. “He’s battling cancer as we speak. Just one of the greatest players in the history of our game. When he came on the scene, that guy just exploded.”
Collinsworth reflected on Moss’s transformative impact on the NFL, praising his on-field talent and the energy he brought to the sport.
“You just love being around him,” Collinsworth added. “He kind of had a reputation as a player like, ‘Oh, he’s a little rough, whatever.’ Not at all—just not at all. Randy, we’re thinking about you and praying for you.”
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Tirico Shares a Touching Moment
Tirico followed up with his own tribute, recounting a poignant moment earlier this year when Moss received a standing ovation at Gillette Stadium during Tom Brady’s retirement ceremony. Moss, who shared one of the greatest seasons in NFL history with Brady during the New England Patriots’ 2007 campaign, remains a beloved figure in the football world.
“Just an appreciation for that great season with Tom and what he meant to them and means to a lot of folks around the league,” Tirico said. “Randy, we are praying for you and thinking of you, man.”
Moss’s Influence on the NFL
Randy Moss, widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, revolutionized the position with his speed, size, and athleticism. Over a storied 14-year career, Moss amassed 15,292 receiving yards and 156 touchdowns, making him second on the NFL’s all-time receiving touchdowns list.
His impact extended beyond the stats, as his ability to “Moss” defenders—leaping over them to make spectacular catches—became a defining feature of his legacy.
Off the field, Moss has earned a reputation as a charismatic analyst and mentor to younger players, using his platform to grow the game and inspire the next generation.
NFL Community Rallies Around Moss
Collinsworth and Tirico’s tributes are just the latest examples of the NFL community rallying around Moss during his health battle. Fellow players, fans, and analysts have expressed their support on social media and other platforms, sharing their admiration for Moss’s resilience and positivity.
Moss, in turn, has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love. “I didn’t think I would ever be in a position like this,” Moss said in a recent Instagram Live session. “The prayers, the well wishes—I really felt that, and my family felt that. Thank you all.”
A Moment of Unity
The emotional tributes during Sunday Night Football served as a reminder of the bonds that extend beyond the field in the world of professional sports. Collinsworth and Tirico’s genuine words captured the admiration and respect Moss has earned throughout his career—not only for his talent but also for his character.
As Moss continues his fight against cancer, messages like these reflect the strength of the NFL community and its unwavering support for one of its greatest stars.
