• Loading stock data...
Thursday, December 18, 2025

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

Jacksonville State Gamecocks running back Khristian Lando (22) hoists the trophy as Troy Trojans take on Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. Jacksonville State Gamecocks defeated Troy Trojans 17-13.

Separate Group of 6 Playoff? Bowl Season Organizers Would Support It

The future of college football’s postseason remains murky.

Adam Silver Says He Could Join WNBA CBA Negotiations

The commissioner says he’s “optimistic” the sides will reach a deal.
Ohio Football

Ohio Fires Football Coach for ‘Serious Professional Misconduct’

The university hasn’t said what Smith did to get fired.

MLB Succession Questions Rise With Manfred Confidant’s Departure

A key executive in the commissioner’s office will leave at year’s end.

Featured Today

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
Dec 9, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the first half at the 2025-26 NBA Emirates Cup at Scotiabank Arena
December 13, 2025

The Lucrative NBA Cup Is Here to Stay

The in-season tournament, launched in 2023, is turning into a staple.
The Los Angeles Chargers host executives from UCLA Health on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
December 7, 2025

The Multibillion-Dollar Business of Pro Athlete Recovery

What started as ice baths has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry.
Big League Wiffle Ball
November 29, 2025

Celebrity-Backed Wiffle Ball Has Big-League Aspirations

Big League Wiffle Ball team owners include Kevin Costner and David Adelman.
May 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (not pictured) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.

Adam Silver Praises Amazon NBA Coverage, With Subtle Jab at Others 

Silver praised Amazon’s coverage while taking veiled shots at league broadcast partners
Zaslav
December 17, 2025

TNT Sports Parent Rejects $108B Paramount Bid, Attacks Ellisons

The board unanimously urged shareholders to stick with Netflix’s offer.
December 17, 2025

Three Barstool Podcasts Moving Exclusively to Netflix

Video versions of three Barstool podcasts will be on Netflix in 2026.
Sponsored

Brian Hoyer: Patriots Lessons, NIL Chaos & His Post-NFL Career

The former Patriots QB talks to FOS about college football’s radical transformation.
December 16, 2025

Scripps Rejects Sinclair’s Bid, Keeps Sports Media Future Uncertain

The Ion owner pushes back on the unsolicited takeover bid.
Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) poses for a television camera after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium.
December 16, 2025

Nielsen Ratings, Including Sports, Under Fire: ‘Deep Instability’

A television trade group said Nielsen’s audience counting shows “deep instability.”
Mahomes
opinion
December 16, 2025

Could Chiefs and Cowboys Missing Playoffs Slow NFL Ratings Train?

The league’s two biggest draws are almost certain to miss the postseason.
exclusive
December 15, 2025

ESPN Hires New Top Editor

Roxanna Scott is a USA Today veteran and comes from The Athletic.