The former professional football wide receiver opened up about a personal challenge he had been navigating and shared how he was managing it.
Randy Moss appeared on NFL Countdown on December 1, 2024, sporting blue-tinted sunglasses, later offering viewers a heartfelt explanation of his choice.
Randy Moss reacts during a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Houston Texans at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 9, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The ESPN analyst said that he and his wife are “battling something internally” but are surrounded by great doctors treating them for the issues.
Moss assured viewers that his blue-tinted glasses were not intended as a sign of disrespect but were necessary due to a personal challenge he is currently facing. He implored, “I need all the prayer warriors. God bless you all. Thank you for the prayers.”
Before the show, Moss shared a lighthearted update on Instagram about his health challenge, expressing gratitude for his supportive family. He also joked about his glasses, dubbing them “Michigan turnover glasses.” This was a reference to ESPN insider Adam Schefter’s playful quip after Michigan’s win over Ohio State.
Moss didn’t give the specifics of his health issue but he urged viewers to take care of their wellbeing, “Y’all do your checkups, get your bloodwork done, and we’ll work through it.”
He also said in another short clip that people have been asking questions but he has chosen to keep the issue private. He asked the concerned people to just bear with him at the moment but send prayers his way. Moss said that in the meantime he was focused on work and couldn’t miss the Sunday NFL Countdown.
Moss’s announcement came just a few days after fans noticed his yellow eyes, sparking concern about his health. Some took to social media to voice their worries, “Is it me or does Randy Moss have very yellow looking eyes? I’m hope I’m wrong. Is he ok? [sic].” Other people also wondered, “Why is Randy Moss eyes so yellow? Asking for a friend [sic].”
Randy Moss from ESPN looks on during the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on January 26, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
One fan expressed their concern, “I hope nothing is wrong with Randy Moss! His eyes are more yellow than Michael Jordan’s eyes now!” Another fan remarked on his appearance during Sunday NFL Countdown, “Watching Sunday NFL Countdown ‘you got mossed’ was 🔥 as always. BUT WHAT IS WITH RANDY MOSS’S YELLOW EYES [sic].”
Randy Moss walks on the field prior to the game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on October 21, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Finally, someone linked the color of his eyes to potential health issues, “Randy Moss’ eyes are very yellow. Not sure if anyone else has noticed but hope he’s okay… usually a sign of liver issues/failure.”
Randy Moss looks on before the game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 14, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Now, Moss, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 as a first-ballot selection, has addressed the concerns about his yellow eyes, linking them to an internal issue.
Moss is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary wide receivers in NFL history. Over his 14-season career, which concluded in 2012, he revolutionized the role of wide receiver with his exceptional talent and impact.
After retiring, Moss became an NFL analyst, joining ESPN in July 2016. He features on Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown, broadcasting from the location of each week’s Monday Night Football game. Moss also plays a key role in ESPN’s annual Super Bowl week coverage.
Randy Moss of the Minnesota Vikings during the Vikings’ 48-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on November 30, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Moss frequently contributes NFL features to ESPN’s Countdown shows. Notable interviews include in-depth conversations with his former Patriots teammate Tom Brady. He also sat down with Browns wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, and Vikings receiver Adam Thielen, who grew up inspired by Moss.
Tom Brady and Randy Moss walk onto the field at the start of practice at Gillette Stadium, on July 8, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
The show host is also involved in several charitable efforts, primarily focused on supporting children. He has hosted youth clinics through the Randy Moss Football Academy. He has also served as an assistant coach at Victory Christian Center High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, furthering his commitment to giving back to the community.