Friday, August 7, 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

Dec 16, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Northern Colorado Bears forarwd Brock Wisne (14) dribbles the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin (15) in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena

How NCAA-Athlete Eligibility Limbo Has Sown ‘Absolute Chaos’

Coaches, GMs, and lawyers are still trying to sift through the upheaval.
Aug 6, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; Bryson DeChambeau points right after his tee shot on the first tee during the first round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.

7 Burning Questions for LIV Golf Amid Claim of New Funding

Private equity firm BC Partners is reportedly exploring a deal with LIV.
Fanduel logo appears in this illustration taken April 22, 2026.

Gambling Industry Gears Up for ‘Arms Race’ This NFL Season

“Competition is fierce,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said.
Eastlake’s Julian Williams (3) runs the ball during a District 1-6A high school football game against Pebble Hills on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at SAC 1 in El Paso, Texas.

Texas Heat Rules Reshape High School Football Practices

Smaller programs may lack the facilities and trainers to adapt.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/7/26 – Aikman and Buck Talks, Fox Won’t Renegotiate NFL Rights Until 2028, and Yankees’ Polymarket Deal

0:00

Featured Today

Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.

Netflix Wants to Not ‘Do Too Much’ With Field of Dreams Game

The upgraded Iowa complex now has a permanent stadium. 
August 6, 2026

Fox Pushes Back NFL Media-Rights Negotiations Until 2028

The company also touted strong results from the FIFA men’s World Cup.
The Warner Bros. Water Tower is pictured at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank on the day it was announced that California and 11 states are suing to block Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in California, U.S. July 13, 2026.
August 6, 2026

WBD Ad Sales Sink Without NBA Live Rights

WBD’s fiscal second-quarter revenue fell 11%.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Troy Aikman and Joe Buck arrive at the Disney Upfront 2022 event in New York City, New York, U.S., May 17, 2022. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado
August 6, 2026

Aikman, Buck Head Into High-Stakes ESPN Negotiations

ESPN hopes to retain the duo past the network’s first Super Bowl.
National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman announces Columbus as the league's 18th club at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on April 21, 2026. The club, set to begin play in 2028, will be owned by Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.
August 5, 2026

NWSL Makes Super Bowl Week Part of Its 2027 Kickoff

The NWSL wants to be “woven into” ESPN’s first Super Bowl.
New MLS commissioner Larry Berg speaks with Front Office Sports.
August 5, 2026

Incoming MLS Commissioner Sees ‘Uncapped Upside’ in Media Rights

NYCFC’s CEO called broadcast revenue the league’s biggest weakness.
FILE PHOTO: Disney+ logo is seen in this illustration taken August 5, 2025.
August 5, 2026

Disney Sells Out of Super Bowl LXI Ad Inventory

ESPN parent company Disney exhausted its inventory on an earlier schedule.