Wednesday, July 1, 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

Celtics Send Jaylen Brown to Sixers in Swap of Huge Contracts

Paul George is set to make $54 million next year.

Brendan Sorsby Embraces 650-Day Wait for Chance at NFL Roster

The quarterback is a man without a home this fall.
Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (right) after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

LeBron Watch 2026: Where Does the NBA’s Biggest Free Agent Fit Best?

James won’t return to the Lakers after eight seasons.

Can Portugal Make a World Cup Run Amid the Ronaldo Circus?

Portugal is conducting an unprecedented experiment.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/1/26 – LeBron Leaves the Lakers, Kawhi to Toronto, Sorsby Drops NFL Fight, Serena Falls at Wimbledon

0:00

Featured Today

Kansas City Chiefs

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77
June 24, 2026

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.
Oct 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NBA on Prime reporter Allie Clifton (right) interviews Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Allie Clifton Credits ‘Road Trippin’ for Changing Her Career

Richard Jefferson approached Clifton to join the podcast in 2017.
July 1, 2026

World Cup Sets Group Stage Ratings Records for Fox, Telemundo

Both Fox and Telemundo have posted an extensive series of viewership milestones.
Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; CBS Sports senior NFL reporter Jonathan Jones during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive
July 1, 2026

Jonathan Jones in Advanced Talks to Leave CBS for The Athletic

Jones first joined CBS in 2019.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
Rob Stone speaks during the Fox Sports Big Noon Kickoff NCAA football pregame show, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at the Pentacrest in Iowa City, Iowa.
June 30, 2026

A Bandwagoner’s Guide to the USMNT World Cup Run

Rob Stone breaks down the Americans’ outlook ahead of Wednesday.
June 30, 2026

Comcast’s NBCUniversal Split Could Give the NFL More Leverage

The forthcoming split will reverberate throughout the entire media business.
May 1, 2026; Louisville, KY, USA; Dave Portnoy walks and gives a thumbs up to his fans during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Scott Utterback/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
June 29, 2026

Dave Portnoy Discusses His Book, Barstool’s Talent Pipeline

Portnoy also addressed his relationship with the Big Ten.
Aug 12, 2021; Dyersville, Iowa, USA; Movie actor Kevin Costner leaves the field before a game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees at Field of Dreams. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
June 29, 2026

Elle Duncan Wants Kevin Costner on Netflix ‘Field of Dreams’ Game

Netflix will stream the game Aug. 13.