Randy Moss gets outpouring of support amid cancer battle led by NFL greats Brett Favre and Rob Gronkowski

Former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss has received an outpouring of support since revealing his battle with cancer.

The Hall of Famer took to social media on Friday to share the devastating news, telling his followers he has been in hospital for the past six days – and revealing the truth behind his health problems.

Moss, who has stepped back from his ESPN duties while he undergoes treatment, also explained that he currently cannot walk without a cane.

In the Instagram Live video, a frail Moss can be seen hobbling into shot, wearing a ‘Team Moss’ shirt, before revealing: ‘I’ve told y’all over the last couple of weeks about me battling something internally, and ya boy is a cancer survivor.’

Later in the clip, he reveals: ‘I did have cancer, they found it in the bile duct, right between the pancreas and the liver, and the cancer was sitting right outside the bile duct. 

‘So my doctors went in, I had six hours’ surgery, and for a lot of you guys wondering, you can Google it. I had a Whipple procedure. The best doctor in the United States, Dr [John] Martinie, I am forever grateful.’ 

Moss later went on to tell his fans that he is ‘nursing his way back’, revealing: ‘It’s going to be a tough road with some chemo and some radiation.’

In the aftermath, Moss received an outpouring of support from fans and former teammates from the two teams he’s best associated with.

Rob Gronkowski, who was with Moss on the Patriots in his final season in New England, took to X to post, ‘Love you Randy. Dominating opponents is what you always have done and you will sure do it again! You got this!!’

Brett Favre, who played against Moss and with him, posted, ‘Prayers to Randy Moss and his family. Randy is and will always be one of the all time greats to ever run a route. Definitely on the NFL WR Mt. Rushmore.’ 

Julian Edelman, who played two seasons with Moss, also tweeted, ‘Mental toughness in human form. We’re all with you 81. Love ya bubs.’

Fellow Vikings legend and Hall of Famer Cris Carter posted, ‘Please join me in praying for @RandyMoss @nfl @vikings.’

Both of the team twitter accounts for the Patriots and the Vikings also sent messages of support.

‘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,’ the Patriots tweeted. ‘@RandyMoss doesn’t lose one-on-one matchups. Cancer is about to get Mossed and Patriots fans everywhere will continue to celebrate!’

The Vikings posted Moss’ quote about being a cancer survivor along with this message: ‘Glad to hear it, @RandyMoss. Thinking about and praying for you and your family as you finish treatments. Let’s Moss Cancer!’

ESPN college basketball commentator Dick Vitale, a four-time cancer survivor who just learned two days ago that he’s cancer free, posted, ‘Wish @RandyMoss one of the greatest @NFL receivers my best in his cancer battle. Randy always in your fight to beat that brutal disease “THINK POSITIVE & HAVE FAITH” [prayer hands emojis] for you.’

Moss was selected 21st overall in the 1998 NFL draft by the Vikings out of Marshall University. After seven seasons in Minnesota, in 2005, he was traded to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for linebacker Napoleon Harris and a first and seventh round pick.

Within two seasons, he was then moved to the New England Patriots for a fourth round pick. It was with the Patriots that Moss formed his most productive QB-WR partnership with Tom Brady and came the closest he ever did to winning a Super Bowl.

He played three full seasons in New England before being traded back to Minnesota partway through the 2010 season. He only played briefly with the Vikings before being waived and claimed by the Tennessee Titans.

Moss initially retired in 2011 before coming back to play one more NFL season with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Raiders, Titans, and Niners have not released statements of support for Moss in the aftermath of his announcement.