MINNEAPOLIS – After announcing he was stepping away from broadcasting earlier this month, NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss informed fans on Friday that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
In an Instagram Live stream Friday afternoon, Moss told followers concerned about his health that he is a “cancer survivor.” He revealed that he spent six days in hospital and underwent surgery. He thanked his team of doctors and everyone who prayed for him.
“I’m a cancer survivor,” Moss said. “Some tough times, but we made it.”
Moss said doctors found cancer in the bile duct “between the pancreas and the liver.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever be in this position, as healthy as I thought I was,” he said.
Andy Clayton-King / AP
Moss, 47, stepped away from his broadcasting role at ESPN earlier this month, with the network citing a “personal health challenge” as the reason.
First the legend of the Minnesota Vikings revealed his health problems to fans on Instagram on Dec. 1, saying he’s “been battling something internal” and asking for prayers.
Since then, Moss has received an outpouring of support from fellow media, former players and the organization of the Vikings.
“I just want to, on behalf of the entire Minnesota Vikings organization, send him our best wishes and support,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We love Randy and we know our fan base feels the same way.”
Moss played 14 seasons in the league with the Vikings, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers and is fourth all-time in receiving yards (15,292) and second in receiving touchdowns (156). He retired in 2012, joined ESPN in 2016 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.