Randy Moss Taking ‘Extended’ ESPN Leave With Health Issue

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.”