Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; ESPN commentator and NFL Hall of Fame member Randy Moss on the sidelines before a game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

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Randy Moss reveals bile duct cancer diagnosis, undergoes six-hour surgery, thanks fans for prayers

Randy Moss shares cancer battle journey

Sometimes, life throws a punch you never see coming.

Randy Moss—the man we’ve watched leap over defenders, outrun opponents, and etch his name in NFL history—shared something far more personal than any touchdown highlight. He’s fighting cancer.

On Friday, Moss went live on Instagram to talk directly to his fans. He revealed he’d been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. His words, albeit calm, held the humongous weight of what he’s been through. It was unmistakable. “I did have cancer. They found it in the bile duct right between the pancreas and the liver,” he shared.

"I am a cancer survivor. Some trying times for sure, but we made it through."

Glad to hear it, @RandyMoss. Thinking about and praying for you and your family as you finish treatments 🙏💜💛

Let's Moss Cancer! pic.twitter.com/22chr9EkBU
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 13, 2024

He underwent a grueling six-hour surgery—a Whipple procedure—to remove the cancer. It involves removing parts of vital organs: the pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct. Moss explained that his Thanksgiving was spent in the hospital for another surgery, one to insert a stent in his liver. Six days in the hospital, fighting for his health.

And somehow, he still smiled. He called himself a survivor. “Some trying times, for sure, but we made it through,” he said.

“Your boy came through”

Despite everything—diagnosis, surgery, hospital stays—Moss smiled. He looked into the camera and assured NFL fans, “I’m here. I made it through. Your boy came through.”

He thanked his fans, his “prayer warriors,” and everyone who lifted him up during this dark time. “There are a lot of messages I got, people telling me their kids prayed for me at night. To all my little Moss fans, God bless you,” he said with a smile that felt both tender and unbreakable.

We have celebrated so many tremendous catches by Randy Moss during his Hall of Fame career, but none more important than his most recent catch.@RandyMoss doesn’t lose one-on-one matchups.

Cancer is about to get Mossed and Patriots fans everywhere will continue to celebrate!… pic.twitter.com/YUb32daQdF
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 14, 2024

But there’s more to come. Moss revealed he will undergo chemotherapy and radiation as follow-up treatment. And the road isn’t over. Yet his optimism shone through. “I’m good,” he said.

And in true Moss fashion, he joked about his sons: “I can’t wait to bust one of y’all’s heads on Call of Duty or NBA 2K.” For a brief moment, it felt like the old Randy—the unstoppable competitor who always found a way to win.

He wore a custom “Team Moss” shirt during his live stream, with matching ones behind him that read “Let’s Moss Cancer.” The shirts are available on his website, with proceeds going toward cancer research.

Moss’s voice faltered at times, but his determination didn’t. He even shared his goal to return to ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown as soon as he’s healthy. “My goal is to get back on television with my team,” he said, his resolve shining through.

The NFL world rallies behind Moss

Messages of support poured in from the NFL community. The Minnesota Vikings shared a heartfelt post: “Let’s Moss Cancer!” Former players like Fred Taylor added their love and prayers. Even fans, young and old, have been rallying behind him, lighting up his social media with hope and encouragement.

Moss’s son, Thaddeus, has been by his side throughout this battle. Thaddeus shared glimpses of their time together in the hospital, trying to lift the mood while supporting his father.

Randy Moss announced that he has been battling cancer

Sending prayers to an all time great pic.twitter.com/0XvUUvZJC2
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 13, 2024

In one Instagram story, Thaddeus showed Moss surrounded by hospital covers. He announced he would go live at 5pm Eastern, encouraging fans to join in solidarity with his dad.

Randy Moss may be the one facing cancer, but he’s not fighting alone. His family is right there with him, every step of the way.

Randy Moss’ legacy

Moss, 47, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 after a storied 14-season NFL career. He ranks second in league history with 156 touchdown catches and set an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions in 2007. His journey as an athlete, and now as a cancer survivor, continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Ryan Clark’s emotional tribute to Randy Moss

Ryan Clark, Moss’s colleague and fellow ESPN analyst, spoke about Moss’s battle during an episode of The Pivot Podcast. Fighting back emotion, Clark shared how much Moss means to him.

“I reached out to Randy… not so he replies, but just to check in. I heard his call for prayers, and as a prayer warrior myself, I’m joining him in reaching out to God for help.”

Randy Moss is a hero to many. He was a tall, lean, ultimately talented, speed receiver from Rand, West Virginia with Super Human skill! He is no bigger hero to anyone than his son Thaddeus & his family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them as he takes time to get his health… pic.twitter.com/Dk2ERn5bmu
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 13, 2024

Clark’s words revealed the respect and admiration he holds for Moss. “I couldn’t imagine having Randy Moss as my dad and then having to be faced with his humanity. That would be very hard for me.”

Clark ended with a message of love. “Randy, we love you. To us, you’re superhuman, but our prayers are definitely with you and your family.”

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Natasha Bose

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