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Randy Moss, the retired superstar wide receiver, announced Friday he is battling cancer.
Moss, 47, said in a video posted on Instagram Live that cancer was discovered in the bile duct, in between the pancreas and liver, and that he is a cancer survivor.
Moss said he underwent surgery and was released Friday from the hospital after six days. He walked with a cane in the video, in which he was joined by his two sons.
“Your boy is a cancer survivor,” Moss said. “Some trying times of course. But you know, we made it through and for that — I thank you all.”
Moss said he still has chemotherapy and radiation procedures to undergo but is recovering.
In the video, Moss thanked doctors and medical staff, his family, his colleagues at ESPN, where he is a football analyst, and the “prayer warriors” who have had him on their minds.
“All the prayers, the well wishes, I really felt that. My family felt that,” he said.
Noting that some of those who wished him well were children, he said, “All you little Moss fans out there, I thank you. God bless you. It went a long way.”
Moss said earlier this month he will take “extended time” from his ESPN job because of a “personal health challenge.” Moss first announced from the set of “Sunday NFL Countdown” that he’s battling an undisclosed medical issue and urged men to pay particular attention to health screenings.
During his announcement Friday, Moss directed viewers to his website, where he will be selling cancer-related merchandise. Most of the proceeds will go toward cancer research, Moss said.
Moss used the phrase, “Let’s Moss Cancer,” which he also posted on social media platform X.
The word “Moss” used as a verb has been coined in homage to the talented wide receiver. It has gained popularity among football fans and pundits, describing when a player makes a great catch and dominates the defense, as Moss did throughout his career.
Moss is best known for his years with the Minnesota Vikings, the team that drafted him in 1998 with the 21st pick. He made Super Bowl appearances with the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.
He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
His 156 touchdown catches ranks second all-time, topped only by Jerry Rice’s 197. Moss ranks No. 4 in the NFL for receiving yards, tallying 15,292 yards.
Antonio Planas is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
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