• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, March 18, 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

breaking

WNBA, WNBPA Reach Verbal Agreement for CBA

It will still take weeks to ratify the new CBA.

Venezuela Stuns the Field, Upsets U.S. for Its First WBC Title

The upstart championship run has become a defining moment for the country.

Tretter Takes Over NFLPA Ahead of Key Labor Negotiations

The former lineman is elected after previously professing no interest in the job.
Mar 14, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) defends as Virginia Cavaliers guard Malik Thomas (1) defends in the first half during the men's ACC Conference Tournament Championship at Spectrum Center.

March Madness to Impact Decisions of NBA Draft Prospects

Deep tournament runs have helped numerous players raise their draft stock.

Featured Today

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
Jun 9, 2021; Paris, France; The racket of Coco Gauff (USA) after she smashed it during her match against Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) on day 11 of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros
March 6, 2026

The ‘Rage Room’ Is the Hottest Place in Tennis

The idea came from a player podcast.
March 5, 2026

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.
Nicole Silveira
March 3, 2026

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”
Matt Barnes, Nick Swisher, and Eric Davis on All The Smoke.
exclusive

Matt Barnes and All The Smoke Launch Baseball Podcast

It’s the company’s latest expansion beyond basketball.
March 17, 2026

World Baseball Classic TV Ratings Surge Ahead of Title Game

The semifinal win by the U.S. sets another event viewership record.
Cameron Young makes his birdie putt on the 17th green during the final round of The Players Championship at The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Sunday March 15, 2026. Cameron Young won with a score of -13 par.
March 17, 2026

NBC Draws Best Players Championship Viewership in 5 Years

Cam Young took home the $4.5 million prize at TPC Sawgrass.
Sponsored

Paul Rabil: Why Owning a Team Is a 100x Bet

Paul Rabil shares how he left an established league to build PLL.
INDIAN WELLS, CA; MARCH 9, 2026 Tennis Channel's Chris Eubanks, Coco Vandeweghe, and Brad Gilbert broadcast an episode of Tennis Channel's “The Big T” podcast, including an interview with Joao Fonseca of Brazil from the Paradise Pavillion on Day 6 of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open
March 17, 2026

‘Meant to Be a Joke’: Eubanks Dishes on Vandeweghe Exchange

Eubanks signed a three-year deal with Tennis Channel announced last month.
ESPN announcer Dick Vitale with analyst Charles Barkley before the Indiana-Kentucky men's college basketball game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky December 13, 2025.
March 17, 2026

How the Charles Barkley–Dick Vitale Pairing Came Together

Barkley and Vitale will call Texas vs. NC State on truTV.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl and his No.1 Tigers celebrate after 94-78 win over Kentucky -- the first win at Rupp Arena since 1988 in SEC basketball Saturday afternoon in Lexington, Kentucky March 1, 2025
March 16, 2026

Bruce Pearl Emerges as Selection Sunday Villain

The ex-Auburn coach had a tough time hiding his pro-Tigers bias.
Roberto Valenzuela, Jr. and Xander Zayas fight for the NABO/ NABF Junior Middleweight Titles live on ESPN during a Top Rank bout at the American Bank Center on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Zayas won by technical knockout in the fifth round.
March 16, 2026

DAZN Nears Deal With Top Rank

Top Rank’s previous deal with ESPN expired last year.