• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 5, 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.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Podcaster John Middlekauff on Netflix Move: It’s Not Some Startup

Netflix obtained video rights for Middleauff’s NFL show, 3 & Out.

NFL: Super Bowl Field Standards Won’t Repeat Previous Slip-Ups

An elevated set of field standards is already showing benefits.
exclusive

Chicago Sky ‘Self-Dealing’ Suit Is Reminder of WNBA’s Painful Past

A minority investor sued team co-founder Michael Alter last week.
Sep 26, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits a grand slam home run during the fourth inning Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park

Padres Sale Looms After Seidler Family Resolves Lawsuit

Sheel Seidler dropped most of the claims against two of her brothers.

Featured Today

Feb 01, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the trophy presentation after the final of the men’s singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.

Alcaraz–Djokovic Is Most-Watched Australian Open Final Since 2017

The 2017 men’s singles final drew 1.1 million viewers.
Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden.
February 4, 2026

NBC’s First ‘Sunday Night Basketball’ Draws Season-High Viewership

The NBA is averaging 1.85 million viewers this season.
February 4, 2026

Rich Eisen Talks ESPN–NFL Deal, Chance Jerry Seinfeld Encounter

Eisen shared his insights from working with both networks.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
Feb 1, 2026; Tampa Bay, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) and Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) fight during the second period in the 2026 Stadium Series ice hockey game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit:
February 4, 2026

Stadium Series Sets NHL Viewership Record on Football-Free Weekend

The outdoor hockey game didn’t compete with the NFL or college football.
Dec 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fox Sports broadcast camera before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
February 4, 2026

Fox Would Consider ‘Rebalancing’ Sports Portfolio to Keep NFL

Lachlan Murdoch points to potential moves to keep NFL rights.
February 4, 2026

Washington Post Eliminates Sports Department in Mass Layoffs

The paper informed employees of long-rumored cuts on Wednesday.
Feb 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; ESPN reporter Sal Paolantonio at the Super Bowl LIX Winning Head Coach and Most Valuable Player press conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
February 4, 2026

ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio On What Makes a Great Super Bowl City

The veteran reporter is covering his 34th Super Bowl.