Dec. 14 (UPI) — An announcement by Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss that he is battling cancer triggered an outpouring of well-wishes from fellow athletes and fans on Saturday.
Moss revealed in an Instagram Live post he was hospitalized for six days after doctors detected cancer in his bile duct, “right between the pancreas and the liver.”
“I am a cancer survivor,” Moss said on Friday. “Some trying times, but we made it through.”
He later made a post on social media linking to his website which was captioned it, “LET’S MOSS CANCER.”
Moss said he would undergo radiation and chemotherapy with a goal of returning to his current job as an ESPN television football analyst.
“As soon as I get healthy to get back out with guys, I will be on set. … Hopefully, I can be with you guys soon,” Moss said. “My goal is to get back on television with my team.”
Moss announced last week he was taking an extended leave from his ESPN role as he “deals with a health issue.”
The news of the former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots receiver’s cancer diagnosis triggered hundreds of sympathetic reactions over the weekend.
“We have celebrated so many tremendous catches by Randy Moss during his Hall of Fame career, but none more important than his most recent catch,” the Patriots said in a Facebook post. “Randy Moss doesn’t lose one-on-one matchups. Cancer is about to get Mossed and Patriots fans everywhere will continue to celebrate!”
Former Patriots teammate Ron Gronkowski wrote on social media, “Love you, Randy. Dominating opponents is what you always have done and you will sure do it again! You got this!!”
“Thinking about and praying for you and your family as you finish treatments,” the Vikings said. “Let’s Moss Cancer!”
Former NBA superstar Kevin Garnett, who as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves shared the spotlight with Moss in the Twin Cities, reacted with an X post showing prayer emojis followed simply by “my dog.”
Fellow former Vikings receiving great Cris Carter wrote, “Please join me in praying for @RandyMoss,” while ex-Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre added, “Randy is and will always be one of the all time greats to ever run a route. Definitely on the NFL WR Mt. Rushmore.”
