Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss will leave ESPN’s “NFL Sunday Countdown” for an extended period to focus on a personal health challenge, the network said in a statement Friday.
“(Moss) briefly resigned when he started the show on December 1. For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, continually enhancing Countdown with his insight and passion. He has the full support of ESPN and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready,” ESPN said in a statement.
Moss, 47, revealed last week that he was battling the illness as he explained why he wears glasses.
Randy Moss broadcasts from ESPN’s “Monday Night Football Countdown” before the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Watch live sports online
“I just want to let the viewers know that me, my wife, my family are fighting inside. I have some great doctors around me. I can’t miss the show. I want to be here with you guys,” Moss said on ESPN’s “NFL Sunday Countdown” last week.
“I feel great. But if you see me with the ‘Michigan turnover glasses’ that I’m wearing, it’s not disrespect because I’m on television. It’s because I’m fighting something. I need all the warriors to pray. God bless you all.” Thank you for the prayers.”
NFL LEGEND RANDY MOSS SAVES FIGHTING HEALTH ISSUES
Former NFL player Randy Moss poses with his wife Lydia Griffith for a photo at the New England Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Tom Brady at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Watch live sports onlineThe former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots star did not say what specific issues he was dealing with.
Moss worked through the show with the illness last week, as his ESPN co-hosts Mike Greenberg, Rex Ryan, Alex Smith and Tedy Bruschi wore glasses with him.
“What a great quote,” Greenberg said. “All for one and one for all. If he had worn glasses, we would all be wearing glasses today.”
ESPN commentator and NFL Hall of Fame member Randy Moss on the sidelines before the game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
Moss played 14 seasons in the NFL and ranks second in all-time receiving yards for the Vikings with 9,316 yards.
