NFL legend Randy Moss officially returned to ESPN’s NFL Countdown, marking an emotional comeback after stepping away from the show to undergo treatment for bile duct cancer.
On Sunday (Sept. 7), Moss, who had been absent from the program since December 2024, was met with celebration and admiration from his colleagues, fans, and football lovers across the country.
“We’ve got a lot, and I mean a lot, of video in today’s show, but none of it will be better than this,” said Countdown co-host Mike Greenberg, as footage aired of Moss ringing the bell in triumph at the end of his treatment.
Randy Moss
Former NFL player and current ESPN personality Randy Moss reacts during pregame before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. Abbie Parr/Getty Images
“Because not long ago, our dear friend Randy Moss had this moment, one that we and all football fans everywhere had been waiting to see.”
Moss underwent care at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, where, according to Good Morning America‘s Robin Roberts, he endured chemotherapy, radiation, and a “complex, six-hour procedure that removed parts of several organs.”
Moss revealed in an earlier Instagram Live that the cancer was found “in the bile duct right between the pancreas and the liver, and that the cancer was sitting right outside the bile duct.” His first surgery took place on Thanksgiving Day.
Randy Moss
Former Player Randy Moss speaks prior to the Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
“By the grace of God, my liver started acting up,” Moss said on the stream, urging others to stay vigilant about their health. “I didn’t think I would ever be in a position like this, as healthy as I thought I was.”
Returning to the studio, Moss beamed with gratitude. “It’s just a great day, man,” he said, smiling. He also gave a heartfelt “shout-out” to his doctor, crediting their guidance for getting him through his recovery.
Moss also recalled how appearing on NFL Countdown during the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX this past February gave him a goal to fight for.
Mike Greenberg, Jason Kelce, Randy Moss, Adam Schefter and Tedy Bruschi
Mike Greenberg, Jason Kelce, Randy Moss, Adam Schefter and Tedy Bruschi commentate before Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jamie Squire/Getty Images
“I remember seeing you guys on Super Bowl Sunday, and that was one of my goals, to get here,” he said. “And now all my treatment is over, ringing the bell, now I’m back with the family, man.”
Known as one of the most dynamic receivers in NFL history, Randy Moss was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Over a 14-year career, he recorded 15,292 receiving yards and 156 touchdowns, playing for the Vikings, Patriots, Raiders, Titans, and 49ers.
His game-changing speed and vertical ability forever altered the way the wide receiver position is played.
Randy Moss
Randy Moss reacts during the 2018 NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 4, 2018 in Canton, Ohio. Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Now, Moss’ story of survival adds yet another chapter to a legendary life—on and off the field.
Watch Randy Moss celebrate his completion of cancer treatment and his return to NFL Countdown below.
"All my treatment is over, ringing the bell, now I'm back with the family man."
Sunday NFL Countdown starts with congratulating Randy Moss getting through his cancer treatments ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nV5fvWbQZV
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 7, 2025