Patriots
“It’s the BIG crybaby here……..Wanna thank u all for this!!”
Weeks after Randy Moss went public with a cancer diagnosis, the Patriots paid tribute to the former wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer ahead of Saturday’s game against the Chargers.
Ahead of kickoff, a flag featuring Moss’ name and Patriots No. 81 jersey was carried along the Gillette Stadium sidelines. On the stadium’s video board, a photo of Moss reeling in a one-handed touchdown was put on display along with the phrase: “Moss Out Cancer.”
“Fans, we ask you to please stand and cheer on Randy Moss as we aim to Moss Out Cancer,” the video screen noted. “Let’s show Randy how much support he has from all of us in New England.”
The Patriots’ tribute to their former wideout did not go unnoticed by Moss.
“It’s the BIG crybaby here……..Wanna thank u all for this!!LUV IS ALWAYS IN THE AIR,” Moss posted to X.
This stands as the latest tribute that Moss has received from the New England crowd this year, with the former star receiver moved to tears after getting an extended ovation while speaking during Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall-of-Fame induction in June.
Earlier this month, Moss went on Instagram Live and announced that doctors found a cancerous mass in his bile duct between his pancreas and liver, necessitating a “whipple procedure” surgery to help remove the cancerous mass.
“I am a cancer survivor. Some trying times, but we made it through. I didn’t think I would ever be in a position like this, as healthy as I thought I was,” Moss, donning a hoodie that said “Team Moss,” said in the social-media video.
Moss — who took a leave of absence from his media obligations on ESPN this month — is still set to undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatments as part of his recovery.
Moss has received several tributes and shoutouts across the NFL since going public with his cancer diagnosis.
The Minnesota Vikings — the team that Moss played eight seasons with — honored Moss in several ways during their win over the Bears on Dec. 16.
Vikings legends Cris Carter and Jake Reed carried Moss’ jersey to the 50-yard line while serving as honorary captains for the pregame coin toss. Current Minnesota wideout Justin Jefferson also shouted out Moss after reeling in a touchdown catch in the win over Chicago.
“We love you, Randy! That’s for you!” Jefferson shouted to the camera while making a “heart” gesture with his hands.
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