Just over two months after ESPN NFL studio analyst Randy Moss stepped away from broadcasting to focus on his battle against cancer, the Hall of Fame wide receiver returned for the Super Bowl edition of Sunday NFL Countdown.
ESPN host Mike Greenberg began Sunday’s show by welcoming Moss back to the show as they went live from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
ESPN welcomes back Randy Moss! https://t.co/yCNY7RGyaN pic.twitter.com/JxVz4Jl8MZ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 9, 2025
“This is a special day for us for other reasons as well,” Greeny began. “On behalf of fans, friends, and the entire football world, we are beyond thrilled to say, ‘Welcome back, Randy Moss.'”
“Hey man, it’s a pleasure to be here, man,” Moss began. “Super Bowl 59! When I was diagnosed with the cancer, you know, I was talking to [ESPN producer] Seth Markman, and I said, ‘You know, I’m going to stay strong, I’m gonna beat this thing.’ And my goal was to be here with you guys. So man, God bless you guys for staying strong with me with the prayers, the prayer warriors, my doctors, my beautiful wife traveling with me.
“Man, where would I not want to be if I couldn’t be here with you guys? Super Bowl 59, it’s a great day to be here.”
ESPN then aired a tribute featuring Moss’ former teammate, Tom Brady, his former coach, Bill Belichick, and a number of other current and former NFL legends wishing him well in his return to television.
ESPN shares a tribute video featuring Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Justin Jefferson, Kevin Garnett and others.
Moss had to wipe away tears as he was welcomed back to Sunday NFL Countdown. pic.twitter.com/Gz7KQTlsBK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 9, 2025
The video brought Moss to tears.
“Y’all already know. Y’all already know it’s the big crybaby here,” Moss said after seeing the tribute. “Hey, y’all, I can’t do it alone. And I really thank y’all, NFL, my teammates. I’ve seen Pep, I’ve seen Miss Green, I’ve seen Brady, Belichick. Hey guys, it’s been hard. But I got a lot of love, and a lot of people believe in me, man.”
If Super Bowl Sunday wasn’t reason enough to celebrate, Randy Moss and his resilience against cancer have certainly given us another.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.