Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Randy Moss Taking ‘Extended’ ESPN Leave With Health Issue

The legendary NFL receiver had previously said he was “battling something internally” before stepping away from “NFL Countdown.”

Randy Moss
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Randy Moss will be off ESPN’s airwaves “for an extended time,” the network said in a statement Friday morning, as the Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver deals with a health issue.

Moss is a regular panelist on Sunday NFL Countdown. On last week’s edition of the show, Moss said he wanted to address social media comments about his eyes, which had appeared yellow in recent broadcasts and he had occasionally taken to covering with sunglasses.

“We are battling something internally,” an emotional Moss said Dec. 1. “I have some great doctors around me. … 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 and I need all the prayer warriors.”

Yellow eyes can be a symptom of liver disease.

“Go get ur checkups!!!” Moss wrote in an Instagram post the same day.

Moss, 47, is widely considered one of the greatest receivers and offensive players in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and began appearing on ESPN in 2016. He retired after a 14-year NFL career in 2012.

“For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating Countdown with his insight and passion,” ESPN said in a statement. “He has ESPN’s full support and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

First at FOS

LIV Golf Settles $1M Trademark Lawsuit After Stinger GC Rebrand

Tee manufacturer Stinger Golf first sued LIV in June 2025.
Cam Newton and Ryan Clark share a laugh during ESPN First Take at Bethune-Cookman University during the show’s HBCU fall tour, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

5 Takeaways From ESPN’s Latest Layoffs

Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, and Karl Ravech were among those laid off.
kyle rudolph

Former Viking Kyle Rudolph: Private Equity ‘Great’ for the NFL

Private equity makes “these assets a little more liquid.”

Will Mexican Soccer Ever Return to Promotion and Relegation?

Arturo Lomeli, owner of a Liga MX second-tier team, wants reforms.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/22/26 – World Cup Final Ratings, ESPN Layoffs, LeBron Waits, WFAN to SiriusXM

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

Jays, Leafs Owner to Put Stake in Sports Empire Up for Sale

The dominant Canadian entity continues to make large-scale moves.
Feb 13, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; NBC Peacock play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle during an NBA All Star Rising Stars game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
July 21, 2026

Noah Eagle Expected to Call Netflix NFL Australia Game

The Sept. 10 matchup will feature the Rams and 49ers.
July 21, 2026

World Cup Final Averaged More Than 66 Million Viewers

The final posted the largest U.S. television audience since the Super Bowl.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
Inglewood, CA - May 5, 2026 - NFL Los Angeles Studio 1: The NFL Network Leaders in Conversation panel.
July 21, 2026

ESPN Layoffs Tied to NFL Network Acquisition: Full Tracker

Disney completed its acquisition of NFL Network earlier this year.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
July 21, 2026

ESPN to Lay Off Anchor David Lloyd, Analyst Stephania Bell

Lloyd had been with ESPN since 1997, while Bell joined in 2008.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Tom Pelissero on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
July 21, 2026

ESPN Expected to Lay Off NFL Insider Tom Pelissero

Pelissero had been at NFL Network since 2017.
Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; ESPN commentator Karl Ravech before the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
July 21, 2026

ESPN to Lay Off Karl Ravech After More Than 30 Years

Ravech had been with the network since 1993.