Class of 2018 Finalist Spotlight: Randy Moss

Minnesota Vikings legend Randy Moss was recently named a finalist for the Class of 2018. If elected, he would be the 14th Vikings legend and 2nd wide receiver from the franchise enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Moss was drafted in the first round, 21st player overall, of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. A dynamic wide receiver out of Marshall University where he was twice a consensus All-American (1996-97), Moss played 14 seasons in the NFL. His career included stints with the Vikings (1998-2004, 2010), Oakland Raiders (2005-06), New England Patriots (2007-2010), Tennessee Titans (2010), and the San Francisco 49ers (2012).

In his NFL debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Moss recorded four catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. That year he set a then-NFL record for the most touchdown receptions by a rookie with 17, tops in the NFL that season. He would lead the league in that category five times during his career.

Moss received numerous accolades his rookie season, including AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He continued to be the focal point of the Vikings’ offense for several years and ranked second in the team’s record book for receptions (587), receiving yards (9,316), and touchdowns (93) trailing only Hall of Famer Cris Carter after his final season with the team in 2010.

In 2007, Moss set the NFL single-season record for touchdown receptions in a season with 23 to help the New England Patriots become the only team to finish a regular season with perfect 16-0 record. Moss made two Super Bowl appearances – Super Bowl XLII with the New England Patriots and XLVII with the San Francisco 49ers.

Moss caught 10 or more touchdown passes in nine seasons and had 10 seasons with 1,000 yards receiving. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Moss received first-team All-Pro honors four times and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s. He finished his career with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns. His career receiving yards and career touchdowns ranked third and fourth respectively in the NFL record book at the time of his retirement.

After his playing career ended, Moss continued to stay active with different charity endeavors. He created the Randy Moss Celebrity Charity Invitational Bass Tournament, which proceeds were donated to the Smile Network Charity. He also founded the Links for Learning Foundation that aims to provide educational and recreational aid and services for children with an emphasis on establishing, improving, staffing and equipping learning centers. 

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