History of Randy Moss in Timeline
"Randy Gene Moss is a celebrated figure in American football, recognized as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. His illustrious 14-season career included stints with prominent teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers. Moss's exceptional talent is evident in his holding the NFL single-season touchdown reception record, a feat he accomplished twice, including his rookie year."
1970: Plane Crash Tragedy
A plane crash occurred in 1970, killing most of the Marshall football team. Years later in 1997, Randy Moss made a controversial comment about the event, calling it "not that big", but later said his statement had been taken out of context.
February 13, 1977: Randy Moss is Born
On February 13, 1977, Randy Gene Moss, a prominent figure in American football, was born.
1984
1984
1987: Jerry Rice's Single-Season Touchdown Record
In the strike-shortened 1987 season, Jerry Rice set the single-season record with 22 touchdown receptions.
1992: Moss Leads DuPont Panthers to State Championship
Randy Moss showcased his athletic prowess early on, leading the DuPont Panthers to a state championship in 1992.
1992: Moss Wins State Championships in Track and Field
Randy Moss's speed and athleticism were evident in track and field, as he clinched state championships in both the 100 and 200 meters in 1992.
1993: Moss Leads DuPont Panthers to Second Consecutive State Championship
Randy Moss continued to excel in football, leading the DuPont Panthers to their second consecutive state championship in 1993.
1994: Moss Receives Kennedy Award
In 1994, Randy Moss's exceptional football talent earned him the prestigious Harrison H. Kennedy Award, recognizing him as the West Virginia Football Player of the Year.
1994: Moss Named West Virginia Player of the Year in Basketball
Randy Moss's athleticism extended beyond football, as he was recognized as the West Virginia Player of the Year in basketball in 1994.
March 23, 1995: Moss Involved in High School Fight
On March 23, 1995, Randy Moss was involved in a fight at his high school, an incident that would have legal ramifications and impact his college football career.
August 1, 1995: Moss Pleads Guilty to Battery Charges
On August 1, 1995, Randy Moss entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor battery charges stemming from the high school fight. He received a 30-day jail sentence.
1995: Moss Named to Parade Magazine's All-American Team
Randy Moss's high school football career culminated in 1995 with his selection to Parade magazine's prestigious All-American high school football team.
1995: Jerry Rice's Record-Breaking Season
In 1995, Jerry Rice became the first wide receiver in NFL history to average over 100 receiving yards and one touchdown per game over a season.
1995: Moss Earns Second West Virginia Player of the Year Award in Basketball
In 1995, Randy Moss's dominance on the basketball court continued, earning him his second West Virginia Player of the Year award.
1995
1995
1995: Moss Redshirts at Florida State
Due to his signed letter of intent with Notre Dame and subsequent transfer to Florida State, Randy Moss was required to redshirt the 1995 football season, as per NCAA regulations.
April 1996: Failed Drug Test and Dismissal from Florida State
In April 1996, Randy Moss tested positive for marijuana while serving a jail sentence for a prior battery charge. This resulted in additional jail time and the revocation of his scholarship at Florida State University.
1996: Moss Starts Strong in Marshall's Debut Season in Division I-A
In 1996, Marshall made its debut in Division I-A. Randy Moss started the season strong, showcasing his skills with impressive performances in the early games.
1996: Moss Dismissed from Florida State
In 1996, while on probation, Randy Moss faced a setback when he tested positive for marijuana, resulting in his dismissal from Florida State University.
1996: Moss Transfers to Marshall and Sets NCAA Records
Randy Moss joined Marshall University in 1996. His exceptional talent was evident as he shattered multiple NCAA Division I-AA records during his time with the Thundering Herd.
1997: 1997 Ford Motor City Bowl
In the 1997 Ford Motor City Bowl, Randy Moss and his team, Marshall, played against Ole Miss. In the first play of the game, Moss scored a touchdown, catching an 80-yard pass. Although the two teams were neck and neck throughout the game, Ole Miss ultimately won 34-31.
1997: Moss Earns Unanimous All-American Honors
In 1997, Randy Moss's exceptional skills on the football field were recognized with the prestigious Unanimous All-American honors.
1997: Moss Leads Marshall to MAC Title
In 1997, Randy Moss continued to excel at Marshall, playing a crucial role in the Thundering Herd's Mid-American Conference championship victory. His performance earned him first-team All-American honors.
1997: Moss Wins Biletnikoff Award
In 1997, Randy Moss finished his career at Marshall, having scored at least one touchdown in every game he played. He won the Fred Biletnikoff Award, was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, and was named a Consensus All-American.
1998: Moss Wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
At the end of the 1998 season, Randy Moss had a record-breaking rookie season. He was named to the Pro Bowl, earned first team All-Pro honors, and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He also finished third in voting for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.
1998: Moss Contributes to Highest Scoring Offenses
Both in 1998 and 2007, Randy Moss was instrumental in leading two of the highest-scoring offenses in NFL history.
1998: 1998 NFL Draft
During the 1998 NFL draft, Randy Moss was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the 21st overall pick. Despite being a highly sought-after player, many clubs were concerned about his past legal troubles. Notably, the Dallas Cowboys, Moss's preferred team, decided not to draft him due to his off-field behavior. This angered Moss, who felt they had lied to him about drafting him, and he made it a point to beat them every time they played from there on out.
1998: Moss Sets NFL Single-Season Touchdown Reception Record for a Rookie
Randy Moss made a remarkable entry into the NFL in 1998, setting the single-season touchdown reception record for a rookie.
1998: Moss Signs Rookie Contract
Randy Moss signed his rookie contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 1998.
1998: Moss Drafted by Vikings and Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
The Minnesota Vikings secured Randy Moss in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft. His outstanding performance earned him the title of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
1998: Vikings Set Scoring Record
The Minnesota Vikings, with rookie player Randy Moss, became the number one offense in 1998, setting a new single-season scoring record with 556 points. This record was later broken in 2007 by the New England Patriots, a team that also featured Moss.
1999: Vikings Draft Daunte Culpepper
In 1999, the Minnesota Vikings drafted Daunte Culpepper in the first round. They had acquired the draft pick from the Redskins in exchange for quarterback Brad Johnson.
2000: Moss Earns Third Pro Bowl Selection
The 2000 season saw Daunte Culpepper, a rookie quarterback, lead the Vikings. He had a strong arm, making him a good match for Moss's deep routes. During week 4 against the Detroit Lions, Moss caught seven receptions for 168 receiving yards and three touchdowns. For the second time in three seasons, Moss dominated against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, scoring a touchdown in the second half where only his toes were in bounds. The impressive play was featured in NFL commercials for years to come. Moss finished the season with a career-high 1,437 yards and a league-leading 15 touchdown receptions, making him the youngest and fastest player to ever reach over 3,000 yards and 45 touchdowns. These achievements earned him his third Pro Bowl selection and his second All-Pro team selection. However, the Vikings were defeated 41-0 by the New York Giants in the NFC Championship, where Moss was limited to two receptions for 18 yards.
2001: Positive Drug Test in the NFL
Randy Moss tested positive for marijuana under the NFL's substance abuse program in 2001. He was subjected to increased drug testing for a period of two years.
2001: Moss Seeks New Contract
In 2001, Randy Moss and his agent began negotiating a new contract with the Minnesota Vikings as he was entering the final year of his rookie contract, which he had signed in 1998. Moss was seeking a long-term deal that would make him the highest-paid player in the NFL, even above quarterbacks, who were traditionally the highest earners. The Vikings considered using the franchise tag on Moss after the season ended, but it was reported that Moss would request a trade if that were to happen because it would mean a smaller salary than what he could get on the open market.
2001: The Randy Ratio
In 2001, newly appointed Vikings coach, Mike Tice, came up with a plan called "the Randy Ratio" to get the ball to Moss more often. The goal was to throw 40% of passes to Moss, partly to keep him more involved in the offense and partly to sustain long drives, giving the Vikings defense more time to rest. An assistant coach was tasked with tracking the percentage of passes thrown to Moss and informing Tice throughout the game to make sure they stuck to the plan. The Vikings' record in 2001 was 4-1 when Moss received 40% of passes and 1-10 in games when he didn't.
2001: Troy Brown's Impressive Season with the Patriots
In 2001, Troy Brown, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, recorded 101 receptions.
January 10, 2002: Mike Tice Becomes Vikings Head Coach
On January 10, 2002, Mike Tice was officially appointed as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. He had replaced Dennis Green on an interim basis at the end of the 2001 season.
September 24, 2002: Traffic Violation and Arrest
On September 24, 2002, Randy Moss was arrested in Minneapolis for a traffic violation during which he bumped a traffic control officer with his vehicle. A small amount of marijuana was found in his car. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor traffic violation and settled a civil lawsuit.
2002: End of the Randy Ratio
Mike Tice abandoned the "Randy Ratio" midway through the 2002 season. Randy Moss claimed he didn't care about the strategy and only wanted to win. During week 15 against the New Orleans Saints, Moss had an impressive game, catching 11 receptions for 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Vikings won 32-31. In week 16, during a game against the Miami Dolphins, Moss threw a touchdown pass to D'Wayne Bates. Although Moss caught a career-high of 106 passes during the season, he had a career-low of 7 touchdown receptions, and the Vikings struggled, ending with a 6-10 record. Moss was named to his fourth Pro Bowl. After the season, Tice admitted that it was a mistake to inform opponents about his offensive gameplan and that the "Randy Ratio" had been a tool to motivate Moss.
2003: Breakout Season with the Vikings
During the 2003 regular season, Randy Moss had a standout year, becoming the second wide receiver in NFL history to average over 100 receiving yards and one touchdown per game over a 16-game season. He achieved career highs in receptions (111), receiving yards (1,632), and touchdowns (17).
2004: Peyton Manning's Record-Breaking Season
In 2004, Peyton Manning set a single-season record with 49 touchdown passes.
2004: A Down Year for Moss
In 2004, Randy Moss experienced a dip in his performance, recording career lows in receptions (49) and receiving yards (767), marking the first time in his career he didn't reach the 1,000-yard mark.
January 9, 2005: Playoff Win and Controversial Celebration
On January 9, 2005, Moss helped the Vikings defeat their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in an NFC Wild Card game. However, he drew criticism for a touchdown celebration deemed inappropriate, resulting in a fine.
March 2, 2005: Traded to the 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.
June 29, 2005: Charity Bass Tournament
Randy Moss hosted the Randy Moss Celebrity Charity Invitational Bass Tournament on June 29, 2005, raising money for the Smile Network, a foundation providing financial assistance to children with treatable mouth problems.
August 2005: Admits to Marijuana Use in Interview
In August 2005, Randy Moss admitted to smoking marijuana during his NFL career in an interview, drawing criticism from the league. He later claimed his words were taken out of context and referred to his past.
2005: Moss Traded to Oakland Raiders
In 2005, a significant trade saw Randy Moss move from the Minnesota Vikings to the Oakland Raiders.
November 14, 2006: Expressing Discontent in Oakland
On November 14, 2006, Randy Moss publicly expressed his unhappiness with the Oakland Raiders, citing a lack of excitement and focus due to the team's struggles.
2006: A Frustrating Season in Oakland
Randy Moss's time with the Oakland Raiders in 2006 was marked by frustration and limited production as the team struggled.
November 4, 2007: Dominating Performances with the Patriots
By November 4, 2007, Randy Moss had established himself as a dominant force in the Patriots' offense, consistently making impressive catches and scoring touchdowns.
2007: Moss's Career Resurgence with Patriots
Randy Moss experienced a career resurgence in 2007 after being traded to the New England Patriots. He played a pivotal role in the team's record-breaking 16-0 regular season.
2007: Record-Breaking Season with the Patriots
Randy Moss had a historic season with the Patriots in 2007, setting a new single-season record with 23 touchdown receptions. He also helped the Patriots achieve a perfect 16-0 regular season record.
2007: Contract Restructuring with the Patriots
Upon joining the Patriots in 2007, Randy Moss agreed to a restructured one-year contract to accommodate the team's salary cap.
2007: Trade Rumors and Interest from Packers and Patriots
Leading up to the 2007 NFL Draft, rumors circulated about a potential trade involving Randy Moss, with the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots expressing interest.
2007: Patriots Break Vikings' Scoring Record
In 2007, the New England Patriots, a team that included Randy Moss, broke the Minnesota Vikings' single-season scoring record from 1998.
2007: Moss Sets NFL Single-Season Touchdown Reception Record
In 2007, Randy Moss etched his name in NFL history by setting the single-season record for touchdown receptions.
2007: Traded to the New England Patriots
During the 2007 NFL Draft, Randy Moss was traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. This trade marked a turning point in his career.
2007: Super Bowl XLII Appearance
Despite a relatively quiet postseason, Randy Moss scored a go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants on February 3rd, 2007. However, the Patriots ultimately lost the game to the Giants.
January 15, 2008: Restraining Order Filed
On January 15, 2008, a temporary restraining order was filed against Randy Moss in Florida. He was accused of battery and preventing the woman from seeking medical attention. Moss denied the allegations and the restraining order was later dissolved.
February 28, 2008: Free Agency
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: Return to New England
Despite interest from other teams, Randy Moss re-signed with the New England Patriots on March 3, 2008, on a three-year, $27 million contract.
April 29, 2008: Foray into Motorsports
Randy Moss announced the formation of Randy Moss Motorsports, a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing team, on April 29, 2008.
July 2008: Investment in Morgan-Dollar Motorsports
Randy Moss purchased a 50 percent stake in Morgan-Dollar Motorsports in July 2008, changing the team's No. 46 entry to No. 81.
2008: Productive Season Despite Quarterback Change
Despite losing starting quarterback Tom Brady in the first game of the season, Randy Moss still recorded 69 receptions for 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008.
2008: Season-Ending Injury to Tom Brady
In the first game of the 2008 season, Tom Brady suffered a torn ACL after a hit from Bernard Pollard. Moss described the play as "looking dirty." Matt Cassel became the starting quarterback in Brady's absence.
2008: Future Earnings Potential
Moss's restructured contract with the Patriots included potential earnings in 2008, indicating the team's belief in his abilities.
2008: Links for Learning Foundation
Randy Moss established the Links for Learning foundation in 2008 to support children in his home state of West Virginia and build learning centers for underserved student populations.
March 2009: Donation to Children's Hospital
In March 2009, Randy Moss's foundation made a donation to the Women and Children's Hospital of Charleston, West Virginia, to purchase a Starlight Children's Foundation 'Fun Center' for their patients.
2009: Strong Start to the Season
Randy Moss started the 2009 season strong, recording a career-high 12 catches for 141 yards in the season opener and securing an interception in Week 5. In Week 6, he caught three touchdown passes from Tom Brady in a win against the Tennessee Titans.
2009: Moss Named One of the Greatest High School Football Players
In 2009, Randy Moss's enduring legacy in high school football was solidified when Parade magazine named him one of the 50 greatest high school football players of all time.
October 2010: Moss Returns to Vikings, Then Joins Titans
October 2010 marked Randy Moss's return to the Minnesota Vikings via a trade. However, his time with the team was short-lived as he was waived and subsequently claimed by the Tennessee Titans.
November 3, 2010: Claimed by the Titans
After being released by the Vikings, Randy Moss was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans on November 3, 2010.
2010: Active Receiving Yards Leader
Following Terrell Owens' retirement at the end of the 2010 season, Randy Moss became the NFL's active leader in receiving yards.
2010: Career Lows
Randy Moss finished the 2010 NFL season with career lows in both receptions (28) and receiving yards (393).
2010: Discontent and Trade Request
Entering the final year of his contract, Randy Moss expressed feeling unwanted in New England without a contract extension. After playing in Week 1, he stated it would be his last season with the Patriots and formally requested a trade.
August 1, 2011: Retirement Announcement
On August 1, 2011, Randy Moss announced his retirement from professional football.
2011: Moss Sits Out NFL Season
Randy Moss took a break from professional football in 2011, sitting out the entire NFL season.
2011: Trade to Minnesota
The New England Patriots traded Randy Moss back to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a third-round draft pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
2011: Free Agency
The Tennessee Titans did not re-sign Randy Moss following the 2010 season, and he became a free agent.
February 13, 2012: Comeback Announcement
On his 35th birthday, Randy Moss announced his decision to come out of retirement and return to professional football.
March 12, 2012: Signing with the 49ers
Randy Moss signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers on March 12, 2012, following a workout with head coach Jim Harbaugh.
September 9, 2012: Climbing the Touchdown Leaderboard
Randy Moss caught his 154th career touchdown reception on September 9, 2012, surpassing Terrell Owens for sole possession of second place on the NFL's all-time receiving touchdown list.
2012: Moss Signs with 49ers, Then Retires
In 2012, Randy Moss returned to the NFL, signing a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He announced his retirement from professional football after the season.
2012: Closure of Racing Team
Randy Moss's NASCAR team, formerly Morgan-Dollar Motorsports, reportedly shut down operations in 2012.
2012: Trade Compensation
As part of the trade that sent Randy Moss back to the Minnesota Vikings, the Patriots also received a seventh-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
June 2014: Coaching and Media Career
Following his release from the 49ers, Randy Moss worked as an analyst for Fox Sports 1 and later became an associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Victory Christian Center High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.
July 2016: Joining ESPN
Randy Moss joined ESPN as an analyst in July 2016, appearing on their NFL Countdown shows.
2018: Moss Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the sport, Randy Moss received the highest honor in professional football with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
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.
2022: Moss Departs Monday Night Countdown
In 2022, Randy Moss made a career move, leaving his position at ESPN's Monday Night Countdown.