The “Sunday NFL Countdown” crew opened this weekend’s installment by extending well wishes to colleague Randy Moss, who stepped away from ESPN Friday to tend to an undisclosed health issue.
Before Sunday’s show officially got underway, host Mike Greenberg and panelists Rex Ryan, Alex Smith, Tedy Bruschi and NFL insider Adam Schefter all took moments to offer thoughtful remarks to the 47-year-old NFL Hall of Famer.
“We begin with a word about our friend, our teammate, Randy Moss, who, you may have heard, Randy is stepping away for a while to tend to his health. Randy, we are sending all of our love to you and your family today and every day and we cannot wait until you are right back here where you belong,” host Mike Greenberg opened Sunday’s show.
Moss, who joined ESPN as an NFL analyst in 2016, first provided a health update in the Dec. 1 installment 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 are battling something internally,” said Moss, who also posted a social media video that conveyed a similar message.
“I have some great doctors around me. I couldn’t miss the show. I wanted to be here with you guys. I feel great.
“But if y’all see me with these Michigan turnover glasses that I have on, it’s not being disrespectful because I’m on television, man. I’m battling something. I need all the prayer warriors.”
Days later, ESPN announced Moss would be stepping away “for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge.”
“For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating ‘Countdown’ with his insight and passion. He has ESPN’s full support, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready,” the network said in a statement Friday.
Moss’ “Sunday NFL Countdown” teammates echoed those sentiments.
“Randy, we love you, man, and we can’t wait till you’re back,” Smith said on Sunday’s show. “We know you’re in good hands and know you’re going to kick some ass.”
Bruschi added he spoke to Moss this week and recounted, “You said, ‘Bru, you got a show to do with all the fellas.’ 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 the touching segment by suggesting Moss was tuning in from afar.
“Right now, we know he’s watching and he is yelling, ‘Fellas, get to the show!’” Greenberg said as the crew pivoted to the Week 14 slate.
Moss took to X as the show aired Sunday and posted, “I luv my teammates and my fans!! #SKOL”
A six-time Pro Bowler, Moss is regarded as one of the premier receivers to ever play the game, earning four First-Team All-Pro nods over the course of 14 seasons.
He played for the Vikings — who selected him at No. 21 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft — the Raiders, Patriots, Titans and 49ers.
