• Loading stock data...
Friday, November 21, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

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.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

F1 Returns to Vegas for Its Final U.S. Race on ESPN

Formula One will move to Apple TV next year.
DraftKings

Sports Betting in Flux As Gambling Giants Enter Prediction Markets

Both sides continue to push for legalized, regulated sports betting nationwide.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive

The WNBA’s Million-Dollar Offer Isn’t What it Seems

The league’s most recent offer still includes a six-figure maximum base salary.
Nov 12, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8), center Chet Holmgren (7), and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) talk while sitting on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center.

Jalen Williams’s Wrist Injury Could Save the Thunder Millions

The Thunder are 15–1 despite Williams being injured all season.

Featured Today

Trinity Rodman

NWSL Regular-Season Ratings See Big Surge, Playoffs Up 5%

Regular-season viewership grew by over 20%, averaging more than 200,000.
Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump carry the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the presentation after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
November 19, 2025

Trump-MBS White House Dinner Showcases Saudi Sports Influence 

Attendees included Ronaldo, Bryson DeChambeau, and the owner of the 76ers.
November 19, 2025

ABC, ESPN Bounce Back With Big CFB Ratings After YouTube TV Deal

Oklahoma-Alabama and Texas-Georgia drew more than 10 million viewers.
Jan 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins a hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
November 18, 2025

Congress Turns Up Heat on Sports Leagues Over Betting Integrity Issues

MLB, the NBA, and the NCAA are all in lawmakers’ crosshairs.
Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; CBS sports broadcaster Bill Cowher before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.

Paramount, Comcast, Netflix Submit Bids for All or Part of WBD

WBD wants the strategic review process to be done by end of year.
Nov 19, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw looks on during the second quarter between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center.
November 20, 2025

MLB’s TV Hot Stove Market Heating Up

“Suddenly, it’s a great time to be a baseball talent.”
November 20, 2025

NFL Morning Games Break Ratings Record As Global Slate Grows

International games on NFL Network averaged 6.2 million viewers.
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
Jun 28, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Jake Paul leaves the ring following his victory against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Honda Center.
November 20, 2025

Jake Paul Takes Massive Risk With Anthony Joshua Netflix Fight

It would be a “shock if Joshua didn’t knock him out.”
November 19, 2025

MLB Finalizes Short-Term TV Rights Deals, Adds NBC and Netflix

MLB reworked its ESPN deal, made new ones with NBC and Netflix.
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field.
opinion
November 18, 2025

NFL Refs Are Ruining the TV Experience

The Eagles–Lions game was just the latest example of bad calls.
Michelle Smallmon
November 18, 2025

How ESPN Radio’s Michelle Smallmon Bet on Herself and Won

After the pandemic, she felt “something was missing.”