1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…
The “Sunday NFL Countdown” crew opened this weekend’s episode by sending well wishes to colleague Randy Moss, who stepped away from ESPN Friday to tend an unknown health problem.
Before Sunday’s show officially kicked off, host Mike Greenberg and panelists Rex Ryan, Alex Smith, Tedy Bruschi and NFL insider Adam Schefter took a moment to provide thoughtful remarks to the 47-year-old NFL Hall of Famer.
“We’ll start with a word about our friend, our teammate, Randy Moss, who, as you may have heard, Randy is going away for a while to take care of his health. Randy, we are sending all our love to you and your family today and every day and we can’t wait for you to get back here where you belong,” host Mike Greenberg opened Sunday’s show.
Moss, who joined ESPN as an NFL analyst in 2016, first gave a health update on the December 1 episode of the program and asked for prayers.
“I just wanted to let the viewers know that me and my wife, me and my family, we’re struggling with something internally,” Moss said. who also posted a video on social media which conveyed a similar message.
“I have some great doctors around me. I couldn’t miss the show. I wanted to be here with you. I feel great.
“But if y’all see me with these Michigan turnover glasses that I have on, it’s not disrespectful because I’m on TV, man. I’m fighting something. I need all the prayer warriors.”
Days later, ESPN announced Moss would “retire for an extended period of time to focus on a personal health challenge.”
“For nearly a decade, Randy has been a valuable member of the team, consistently taking ‘Countdown’ to the next level with his insight and passion. He has the full support of ESPN and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready,” the network said in a statement on Friday.
Moss’ “Sunday NFL Countdown” teammates echoed these sentiments.
“Randy, we love you, man, and we can’t wait for you to get back,” Smith said during Sunday’s show. “We know you’re in good hands and we know you’re going to pack a punch.”
Bruschi added that he spoke with Moss this week and said, “You said, ‘Bru, you have a show to do with all the guys.’ We’re going to do it and we’re going to do it the best we can without you. You know we love you, Moss.”
Greenberg wrapped up the moving segment by suggesting that Moss was tuning in from afar.
“Right now we know he’s watching and yelling, ‘Guys, get to the show!’” Greenberg said as the crew turned to the Week 14 schedule.
Mos went to X as the show aired on Sunday saying: “I love my teammates and my fans!! #SKOL”
Moss is a six-time Pro Bowler and considered one of the best receivers to ever play the game. He earned four First-Team All-Pro nods over the course of fourteen seasons.
He played for the Vikings – who selected him at No. 21 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft – the Raiders, Patriots, Titans and 49ers.
1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…