History of Randy Moss in Timeline
Randy Moss is a celebrated former NFL wide receiver who played 14 seasons with teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers. Considered one of the greatest players of all time, Moss holds the NFL single-season touchdown reception record, and remarkably, also holds the same record for a rookie season. His exceptional skill and impact on the game have solidified his place in football history.
1970: 1970 Marshall Plane Crash
A plane crash occurred in 1970, killing most of Marshall University's football team. Randy Moss later made controversial remarks about the tragedy in 1997.
1987: Jerry Rice sets single-season touchdown record
In 1987, Jerry Rice set the single-season touchdown reception record, which Moss would later break in 2007.
1995: Jerry Rice's Record-Setting Season
In 1995, Jerry Rice set the NFL record that Randy Moss later became only the second receiver to achieve in 2003: averaging over 100 yards and a touchdown in over 12 games.
April 1996: Drug Test and Dismissal from FSU
In April 1996, Randy Moss smoked marijuana before entering jail to complete a sentence for a prior battery charge. He tested positive for drugs in jail, resulting in solitary confinement and an extended sentence. Florida State University subsequently revoked his scholarship and dismissed him from the team.
1997: 1997 Season Awards and Controversy
In 1997, Randy Moss concluded his college career at Marshall University, scoring touchdowns in all 28 games he played. He was awarded the Fred Biletnikoff Award, named a Heisman Trophy finalist (finishing fourth), a Consensus All-American, and won the MAC Offensive Player of the Year. However, he also sparked controversy with comments about the 1970 Marshall plane crash.
1997: 1997 Ford Motor City Bowl
On December 26, 1997, Randy Moss played in the Ford Motor City Bowl for Marshall University against Ole Miss. He caught a touchdown on the first play, an 80-yard pass. Despite several lead changes, Ole Miss won 34-31, with Moss's final 40-yard catch ending in a fumble as time ran out. He finished the game with 6 receptions for 173 yards.
1998: 1998 Season Awards
At the end of the 1998 NFL season, Randy Moss received several accolades: Pro Bowl selection, first-team All-Pro honors, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (for a rookie-record 17 touchdown receptions and 1,313 receiving yards), and finished third in MVP and Offensive Player of the Year voting. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
1998: Moss Enters the NFL
In 1998, Randy Moss began his NFL career, initially being unable to wear jersey number 18 as a wide receiver due to then-existing rules.
1998: 1998 Vikings Record-Breaking Offense
In 1998, Randy Moss contributed to the Minnesota Vikings having the highest-scoring offense in NFL history at the time with 556 points, a record later broken by the 2007 New England Patriots, another team featuring Moss.
1998: Initial Contract Signing
In 1998, Randy Moss signed his initial rookie contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
1998: 1998 NFL Draft
In the 1998 NFL Draft, Randy Moss was selected 21st overall by the Minnesota Vikings, despite being projected higher. Several teams were concerned about his past legal issues. The Dallas Cowboys, a team Moss wanted to play for, passed on him due to his off-field problems. Moss vowed to make teams regret passing on him. In Week 13 against the Cowboys, he delivered on his promise with a stellar performance of 3 receptions, 163 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
1998: 1998 NFL Playoffs
In the 1998 playoffs, the Minnesota Vikings, with a 15-1 regular season record, won their Divisional Round game against the Arizona Cardinals 41-21, with Moss contributing 71 yards and a touchdown. However, they lost the NFC Championship game to the Atlanta Falcons 30-27 in overtime, despite Moss's 75 yards and a touchdown.
1999: Daunte Culpepper Drafted
In 1999, the Vikings drafted quarterback Daunte Culpepper in the first round. His strong arm was seen as a good fit for Moss's deep routes.
2000: 2000 Season Highlights and Playoff Run
In the 2000 season, Randy Moss and second-year quarterback Daunte Culpepper led the Vikings to a 7-0 start. Moss had notable performances, including a 3-touchdown game against the Lions and a memorable Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys. He finished the season with a career-high 1,437 receiving yards and a league-leading 15 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. The Vikings won their Divisional Round playoff game against the Saints but were shut out by the Giants in the NFC Championship, with Moss limited to 18 receiving yards.
2001: Positive Marijuana Test in NFL
In 2001, Randy Moss tested positive for marijuana under the NFL's substance abuse program. As a result, he was subjected to increased random drug testing for two years.
2001: Troy Brown Sets Patriots Reception Record
In 2001, Troy Brown set the Patriots' single-season reception record with 101 catches. This record was later surpassed.
2001: 2001 Season Performance and "Randy Ratio" Origins
During the 2001 season, the Vikings' performance was analyzed, which led to the development of the "Randy Ratio." The team's record was significantly better when Moss received a higher percentage of passes. This influenced Mike Tice's strategy upon becoming head coach in 2002.
2001: Contract Negotiations
During the 2001 offseason, Randy Moss and his agent negotiated a new contract with the Vikings. Moss, in the final year of his rookie contract, aimed to become the highest-paid player in the NFL. He was scheduled to make $3.5 million in 2001 but sought a long-term deal. He indicated he might request a trade if the Vikings used the franchise tag on him.
January 10, 2002: Mike Tice becomes Head Coach and Introduces "Randy Ratio"
On January 10, 2002, Mike Tice was appointed head coach of the Vikings. He implemented the "Randy Ratio," a strategy to target Moss with 40% of the team's passes. This was designed to increase Moss's involvement in the offense and control the game clock, giving the defense more rest. The strategy was based on the 2001 season's results, where the Vikings had a better record when Moss was targeted more frequently.
September 24, 2002: Arrest and Lawsuit
On September 24, 2002, Randy Moss was arrested in Minneapolis after an altercation with a traffic control officer. He was accused of bumping the officer with his car after she instructed him to stop for an illegal turn. A small amount of marijuana was found in his vehicle. Moss pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor traffic violation, paid a fine, and performed community service. A civil suit filed by the officer resulted in a substantial financial penalty for Moss.
2002: Randy Ratio and Vikings' Struggles
In 2002, the "Randy Ratio," a gameplan devised by coach Mike Tice to feature Randy Moss, was abandoned mid-season. Moss prioritized winning over the strategy. Despite catching a career-high 106 passes, he had a career-low seven touchdowns. The Vikings finished with a disappointing 6-10 record, but Moss still earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
2003: Moss's Resurgence
Randy Moss had a remarkable comeback season in 2003, becoming the second NFL receiver after Jerry Rice (in 1995) to average over 100 receiving yards and one touchdown per game in a season over 12 games long. He recorded career highs in receptions (111), receiving yards (1,632), and touchdowns (17), including memorable performances against several teams, and received his fifth Pro Bowl selection, despite the Vikings missing the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
2004: NFL Jersey Number Rule Change
A rule change in 2004 permitted wide receivers to wear numbers 10-19, opening the way for Moss to later choose number 18.
2004: Peyton Manning Sets Single-Season Touchdown Pass Record
In 2004, Peyton Manning set the single-season touchdown pass record, which Tom Brady broke in 2007 while throwing to Randy Moss.
2004: Moss's Statistical Decline
Randy Moss experienced a statistical downturn in 2004, recording career lows in receptions (49) and receiving yards (767). It marked the first season he failed to reach the 1,000-yard receiving mark. While he scored 13 touchdowns in 13 games, his overall production was significantly diminished.
January 9, 2005: Playoff Victory and Controversial Celebration
On January 9, 2005, Randy Moss contributed to the Minnesota Vikings' Wild Card Round victory over the Green Bay Packers with two touchdowns. However, his post-touchdown celebration, which involved mimicking mooning the Packers fans, drew criticism and resulted in a $10,000 fine. While the Vikings advanced, they lost in the next playoff round, ultimately leading to Moss's trade.
March 2, 2005: Trade to Oakland Raiders
On March 2, 2005, Randy Moss was traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for linebacker Napoleon Harris and draft picks. This move brought high expectations for Moss in Oakland. Upon joining, Moss switched to jersey number 18, his college number, which had become permissible for receivers in 2004 following a rule change.
June 29, 2005: Moss Hosts Charity Bass Tournament
On June 29, 2005, Randy Moss hosted the Randy Moss Celebrity Charity Invitational Bass Tournament to benefit the Smile Network, a foundation supporting children with treatable mouth problems.
August 2005: Marijuana Admission and Criticism
During an August 2005 interview, Randy Moss admitted to using marijuana during his NFL career, though he claimed it was infrequent. His comments drew criticism from the league and his agent later attempted to clarify that his remarks were taken out of context.
2005: Challenging Season in Oakland
In 2005, Randy Moss's first season with the Oakland Raiders proved difficult. Despite achieving 1,005 receiving yards by the end of the season, injuries hampered his performance, and the team struggled, ending with a 4-12 record.
November 14, 2006: Moss Expresses Discontent
On November 14, 2006, Randy Moss publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with his situation in Oakland. During an award ceremony in his honor, he attributed his subpar performance to unhappiness and lack of excitement within the team. Moss also hinted at his desire to play elsewhere, signaling a potential departure.
2006: Limited Production with Raiders
During the 2006 season, Randy Moss's production remained limited with the Raiders. He accumulated 553 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 42 receptions, indicating a continued period of underperformance.
November 4, 2007: James Black comments on Moss's Performance
On November 4, 2007, James Black of Yahoo! Sports praised Randy Moss's consistent ability to make difficult catches, particularly his impressive one-handed grabs.
2007: Super Bowl XLII Appearance
In Super Bowl XLII in 2007, Randy Moss caught a go-ahead touchdown pass from Tom Brady in the fourth quarter, but the Patriots ultimately lost to the New York Giants.
2007: Trade Rumors and Interest from Teams
Leading up to the 2007 NFL Draft, trade rumors surrounding Randy Moss intensified, with the Oakland Raiders seemingly willing to move him. While the Denver Broncos were contacted to gauge their interest, the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers emerged as the main suitors, with Brett Favre notably advocating for his acquisition by the Packers. However, a trade deal with Green Bay failed to materialize.
2007: Contract Restructuring with Patriots
Following the trade to New England in 2007, Randy Moss agreed to restructure his contract to fit within the Patriots' salary cap constraints. This involved adjusting his existing contract, which would have paid $9.75 million in 2007 and $11.25 million in 2008, to a new one-year deal with a lower base salary and the potential for incentives. Tom Brady's converting part of his salary into a signing bonus helped make room for Moss under the cap.
2007: 2007 Patriots Break Vikings Scoring Record
In 2007, the New England Patriots, featuring Randy Moss, surpassed the 1998 Minnesota Vikings' single-season scoring record.
2007: Moss Breaks Single-Season Touchdown Record
In 2007, Randy Moss broke Jerry Rice's single-season touchdown reception record with 23 touchdowns. He also achieved the highest yardage total in Patriots franchise history (1,493 yards).
2007: Trade to New England Patriots
During the first day of the 2007 NFL Draft, after several discussions, the Oakland Raiders traded Randy Moss to the New England Patriots. This trade followed a phone call between Bill Belichick and Moss about his potential role with the team. The Patriots sent a fourth-round pick, acquired the previous day from San Fransisco, in return for Moss.
January 15, 2008: Temporary Injunction for Protection
On January 15, 2008, reports surfaced that Randy Moss was subject to a temporary injunction for protection against dating violence. The affidavit alleged that Moss caused injury to Rachelle Washington and prevented her from seeking medical treatment. Moss denied the accusations, suggesting the woman sought financial gain. The restraining order was later dissolved and no criminal charges were filed.
February 28, 2008: Moss Becomes a Free Agent
Randy Moss became a free agent on February 28, 2008, after the Patriots opted not to use the franchise tag on him.
March 3, 2008: Moss Re-signs with Patriots
On March 3, 2008, Moss re-signed with the New England Patriots on a three-year, $27 million contract.
April 29, 2008: Randy Moss Motorsports Formation
On April 29, 2008, Randy Moss announced the creation of Randy Moss Motorsports, a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing team.
July 2008: Investment in Morgan-Dollar Motorsports
In July 2008, Randy Moss purchased a 50% stake in Morgan-Dollar Motorsports, changing the team's No. 46 entry to No. 81.
2008: Links for Learning Foundation
In 2008, Randy Moss founded the Links for Learning foundation to aid children in his home state of West Virginia. The foundation focuses on building learning centers for students in need. In June 2008, Moss and his former high school teammate Jason Williams hosted the foundation's first annual charity golf tournament.
2008: Moss's Performance in 2008
In 2008, despite losing starting quarterback Tom Brady to injury in the first game of the season, Randy Moss recorded 69 receptions for 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns.
2008: Brady's Injury and Moss's Season
In the 2008 season opener, Tom Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury on a play involving Moss. Moss expressed his opinion that the hit looked "dirty." Despite the quarterback change to Matt Cassel, Moss still had a productive season.
2008: Moss's Original Contract Terms
Moss was originally set to earn $11.25 million in 2008 as per his contract with the Raiders, which the Patriots restructured upon acquiring him in 2007.
March 2009: Moss Foundation Donation
In March 2009, Randy Moss's foundation made a donation to the Women and Children's Hospital of Charleston, West Virginia. The donation allowed the hospital to purchase a Starlight Children's Foundation "Fun Center" for their young patients. The "Fun Center" is a mobile entertainment system with a TV, DVD player, and Nintendo Wii games.
2009: Notable Games and Plays in 2009
During the 2009 season, Moss had a career-high 12 receptions in a game against the Bills, intercepted a pass against the Broncos, and caught three touchdowns in a game against the Titans where Brady set a record for most touchdown passes in a quarter.
November 3, 2010: Moss Claimed by Titans
On November 3, 2010, Randy Moss was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans.
2010: Moss's Career Lows and Free Agency
Moss finished the 2010 season with career lows in receptions and receiving yards. The Titans didn't re-sign him, making him a free agent in 2011.
2010: Owens Retires
Terrell Owens retired in 2010.
2010: Moss Expresses Dissatisfaction and Requests Trade
In 2010, Moss publicly expressed his feeling of not being "wanted" in New England due to the lack of a contract extension offer. He subsequently requested a trade.
August 1, 2011: Moss Announces Retirement
Randy Moss announced his retirement from professional football on August 1, 2011.
2011: Moss Becomes Free Agent
In 2011, after the Titans declined to re-sign him, Randy Moss became a free agent.
2011: Moss Traded to Vikings
In 2011, the Patriots traded Moss back to the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round draft pick that was later used to select quarterback Ryan Mallett and a 2012 seventh-round selection.
February 13, 2012: Moss Announces Comeback
On his 35th birthday, February 13, 2012, Randy Moss announced he was coming out of retirement and intended to play football again.
March 12, 2012: Moss Signs with 49ers
On March 12, 2012, Randy Moss signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
September 9, 2012: Moss Passes Owens on All-Time Touchdown List
On September 9, 2012, Moss caught his 154th career touchdown reception, surpassing Terrell Owens for second place on the all-time list.
2012: Patriots Trade Seventh-Round Pick to Vikings
In 2012, As part of the Moss trade, the Patriots also sent a seventh round pick to the Minnesota Vikings.
2012: Moss Motorsports Closure
Randy Moss's NASCAR team, formerly Morgan-Dollar Motorsports, reportedly shut down in 2012.
June 2014: Coaching at Victory Christian
Following his release from the 49ers, Randy Moss began working as an analyst for Fox Sports 1's Fox Football Daily. In June 2014, he also took on the roles of associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Victory Christian Center High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his son attended and played football.
July 2016: ESPN Analyst
Randy Moss joined ESPN as an analyst in July 2016, contributing to Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown.
2018: Hall of Fame Induction
Randy Moss was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
2019: NFL 100th Anniversary Team
In 2019, Randy Moss was named to the National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
December 2024: Health Issues and Cancer Diagnosis
In December 2024, Randy Moss announced a leave of absence from ESPN to address a health concern. Reports of liver cancer were refuted by his son, but Moss later revealed he underwent a Whipple procedure for bile duct cancer, describing himself as a "cancer survivor." He had a stent placed in his liver on Thanksgiving after noticing discolored urine.