Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss announced on Friday that he is being treated for cancer and has undergone major surgery. In an Instagram Live appearance, Moss, using a cane, introduced himself as a cancer survivor and thanked his supporters for their prayers.
Moss revealed that a cancerous mass was found in his bile duct, between his pancreas and liver. He underwent a procedure to place a stent in his liver on Thanksgiving, followed by a six-hour surgery about a week ago to remove the cancer. He was hospitalised for six days and discharged on Friday.
The surgery was a Whipple procedure, which involves removing the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct, according to the Mayo Clinic. Moss expressed surprise at his diagnosis, stating, 'I didn't think I would ever be in a position like this, as healthy as I thought I was.'
Moss stepped away from his role as an analyst on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown on 6 December. He expressed hope to return soon, saying, 'As soon as I get healthy to get back out with guys, I will be on set.' He also asked for donations on his website, with funds going primarily toward cancer research.
The 47-year-old Moss was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 after a 14-season NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers. He ranks second in NFL history with 156 touchdown catches and set an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions in 2007 for the Patriots.
