Randy Moss exploded onto the NFL scene in 1998 and cemented himself as one of the most talented and exciting wide receivers to ever play professional football. With his deadly combination of blazing speed, incredible leaping ability, and velvet-soft hands, Moss terrorized opposing defenses for over a decade while racking up jaw-dropping stats and highlights. Let‘s take a comprehensive look at the legendary career and impact of the player famously known as "The Freak."
Randy Moss: Quick Facts
| Full Name | Randy Gene Moss |
| Born | February 13, 1977 (age 46), Rand, West Virginia |
| Height | 6‘4" |
| Weight | 210 lbs |
| NFL Career | 1998-2012 (Vikings, Raiders, Patriots, Titans, 49ers) |
| Career Receptions | 982 |
| Career Receiving Yards | 15,292 |
| Career Receiving TDs | 156 |
| Stats | 6× Pro Bowl, 4× First-team All-Pro, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |
| Social Media | Twitter • Instagram |
Early Life and College Career
Randy Moss grew up in Rand, West Virginia facing economic struggles and racism. As a star multi-sport athlete in high school, Moss earned a scholarship to Marshall University where he dazzled fans with his athletic talents on the football field.
In just two seasons at Marshall, Moss compiled a staggering 168 receptions for 3,529 yards and 53 touchdowns, shattering numerous NCAA records. His 1996 sophomore season stands as one of the greatest individual seasons in college football history, catching 96 passes for 1,820 yards and 26 touchdowns.
1998 NFL Draft and Rookie Season with Vikings
Heading into the 1998 NFL Draft, Moss was projected as a high first-round pick based on his college dominance. However, character concerns related to legal troubles during college caused him to slide down draft boards. The Minnesota Vikings shrewdly selected Moss with the 21st overall pick.
As a rookie, Moss immediately established himself as a premier deep threat, harnessing his 4.25 40-yard dash speed to leave defenders in the dust. He finished the 1998 season with 69 catches for 1,313 yards and a rookie record 17 touchdowns, helping the Vikings offense set the NFL scoring record with 556 points. Moss was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
“Randy has redefined the wide receiver position in the NFL. He‘s the most dangerous player I‘ve ever seen with the football in his hands.” – Cris Carter, former teammate
Dominating 6 Seasons with the Vikings
Over his first six legendary seasons in Minnesota, Moss terrorized opposing defenses to the tune of:
- 5,396 receiving yards
- 90 receiving touchdowns (NFL record at the time)
- 5x Pro Bowl selections
- 4x First Team All-Pro selections
- 3x NFL receiving touchdowns leader
Moss formed telepathic connections with Vikings quarterbacks Randall Cunningham and Daunte Culpepper, frequently making physics-defying catches over triple coverage deep downfield.
Some of Moss‘s most memorable masterpiece performances came against the rival Green Bay Packers, who he victimized for 1,498 yards and 14 touchdowns over 14 career games.
"Trying to defend Randy Moss is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. You just pray he has an off day." – Charles Woodson, Packers cornerback
Career Highlights with Vikings
- Set NFL rookie record with 17 TD catches in 1998
- Scored 5 TDs in a game against Bears (11/14/1999)
- Scored 2 TDs in 2000 NFC Championship Game vs. Giants
- Led NFL with 82 receptions for 1,347 yards in 2000
- Averaged over 15 yards per catch every season
- Selected to 5 straight Pro Bowls from 1998-2002
- First Team All-Pro 4 times from 1998-2001
Later Career and Single Season TD Record
Prior to the 2004 season, Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders where his productivity declined but was still solid, averaging over 1,100 yards and 11 TDs per year.
In 2007, Oakland traded Moss to the New England Patriots where he enjoyed a career renaissance. With Tom Brady throwing him the ball, Moss produced the finest season of his illustrious career:
- 98 receptions
- 1,493 receiving yards
- NFL record 23 receiving touchdowns
Moss was a key weapon for the 2007 Patriots and their historic 16-0 regular season. Although they lost the Super Bowl, Moss earned First Team All-Pro, Comeback Player of the Year, and his 6th Pro Bowl nod.
After three monster seasons in New England, Moss was traded back to Minnesota in 2010 where he had a decent year before brief stints with the Titans and 49ers to end his career.
Career Accomplishments and Records
In his 14 NFL seasons, Moss compiled simply astonishing career numbers:
- 982 receptions (15th all-time)
- 15,292 receiving yards (4th all-time)
- 156 touchdown catches (2nd all-time)
- Averaged 15.6 yards per reception
- 10 seasons with 1,000+ yards (tied 2nd all-time)
- 64 games with 100+ yards (5th all-time)
Moss still holds the NFL single season record with 23 TD catches in 2007, beating the previous mark of 22 held by Jerry Rice. When he retired, he ranked 1st all-time in receiving TDs before being passed by Rice and Rob Gronkowski.
Career Awards and Achievements
- 6× Pro Bowl selection (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007)
- 4× First Team All-Pro (1998, 2000, 2003, 2007)
- 1998 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
- 3× NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1998, 2003, 2007)
- 4× led NFC in TDs (1998-2001)
Playing Style and Signature Moves
At 6‘4" with 4.25 speed, Moss possessed a skill set unmatched by any other receiver. His fluid acceleration allowed him to blow past any cornerback off the line. His spidery limbs, 40+ inch vertical leap, and velcro hands enabled him to snatch jump balls over helpless defenders.
Moss‘s most signature move was the one-handed circus catch, often grabbing balls behind his head or pinned against his shoulder pads before trotting casually into the end zone.
He had a supreme confidence in his abilities, often making catches with minimal effort purely through his talent. This casual style drew criticism at times, as defenders accused Moss of not always giving 100% effort.
Regardless, his unique physical tools and skill made him virtually impossible to contain during the prime of his historic career.
Controversies and Reputation
Moss was a controversial personality prone to conflicts and run-ins with authority figures:
- In 2002, he bumped a traffic officer with his car leading to a misdemeanor charge
- He openly admitted to smoking marijuana during his NFL career
- In a 2001 playoff game, he famously fake mooned the Lambeau Field crowd after scoring against the Packers
- Moss was fined numerous times for altercations and taunting behavior toward opponents
- During his second Vikings stint, he was released after unceremoniously calling out caterers
- At times accused of taking plays off and not giving maximum effort
While brilliantly talented, Moss‘s behavioral issues and effort level caused friction with coaches and teammates at various points in his career. He later stated he deliberately portrayed a "villain" image early on to gain marketing appeal.
Life After Football
Since retiring, Moss has worked as an analyst for Fox Sports and ESPN, bringing his lively personality to NFL pregame shows. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, his first year of eligibility.
Moss has pursued various business ventures like owning an energy drink company, tobacco outlet stores, and stakes in a political app startup and esports franchise. He still loves coaching and mentoring young players like his son Thaddeus Moss, who played for LSU and the Washington Redskins.
Randy Moss achieved fame with his swagger and legendary play, but also gave generously to children‘s charities throughout his career. He‘ll be remembered as one of the most thrilling wide receivers to ever grace the football field.