Randy Moss makes feelings known on Patriots honoring legendary WR with emotional tribute before Chargers game
Randy Moss is most famous for his time with the Minnesota Vikings. However, he was also very good with the New England Patriots, setting the still-standing record for most receiving touchdowns in a season.
And on Saturday, just before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the six-time Super Bowl-winning franchise honored the Hall-of-Fame wide receiver with a tribute in the wake of his battle with bile duct cancer. The roster was also led out to the field of Gillette Stadium with a "Moss 81" banner. He later reacted, writing:
"It's the BIG crybaby here.......Wanna thank u all for this!!LUV IS ALWAYS IN THE AIR"
The tribute can be seen below:
The actual game proved disastrous, however, has the Patriots scored just one touchdown and lost 40-7. The Chargers, meanwhile, secured a playoff spot with the win.
A brief overview of Randy Moss' cancer scare
Earlier this month, the world got a saddening surprise when Randy Moss revealed on his Instagram that he was battling a then-unspecified illness, urging people to do check-ups on Instagram:
Then, during the Sunday NFL Countdown broadcast, he said:
"I just ask for all the prayer warriors to put their blessing hands on me and my family through these hard times... I'm battling something, man, and it's something internal. Your boy is going to get through it. I got a great team of doctors and got a great family around me."
He then took a leave of absence, with ESPN issuing the following statement:
"For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating 'Countdown' with his insight and passion. He has ESPN's full support, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready."
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell also issued this statement:
"I just want to, on behalf of the whole Minnesota Vikings organization, just send him our well wishes and support. We love Randy and know our fanbase feels the same way."
Some days later, the father of fellow former wideout Larry Fitzgerald claimed that Randy Moss had liver cancer, which his son Thaddeus disputed. But eventually, cancer was indeed found - in his bile duct, between the liver and pancreas.
Moss said in an Instagram livestream:
"I didn't think I would ever be in this position, as healthy as I thought I was."
He spent six days in hospital, eventually undergoing surgery to remove the growth.