Justin Jefferson Honors Randy Moss with Touching Tribute During Vikings’ Victory
MINNEAPOLIS — Sometimes, sports are about more than just the game. Last week, Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson proved that when he reached out to one of his childhood heroes, Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss, in a heartfelt gesture. Jefferson had learned that Moss was battling cancer and undergoing treatment, so he sent him a private text message to wish him strength and good luck.
But Jefferson didn’t stop there. On Monday night, during the Vikings’ 30-12 victory over the Chicago Bears, Jefferson made his admiration for Moss public. After catching a 7-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, Jefferson turned to the ESPN camera and delivered a powerful message: “We love you, Randy. That’s for you.”
It was a moment that resonated deeply, not just with Vikings fans but with the entire NFL community. After the game, Jefferson opened up about what Moss has meant to him, speaking with genuine emotion in the Vikings’ locker room.
“I’m grateful for what he has done for this game,” Jefferson said, donning a purple replica Moss jersey. “And what he has done for me as a kid. Just watching him and being a fan of him, I’ve always got to show love to him.”
Randy Moss’ Health Battle
Last Friday, Moss revealed that he had undergone a six-hour surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his bile duct. He also shared that he had previously had a stent placed in his liver and would now be undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. As a result, Moss is taking a leave from his role as an analyst on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
The Vikings organization rallied around Moss in a big way on Monday night. Before the game, two of Moss’ former teammates, Cris Carter and Jake Reed, served as honorary captains during the coin toss. The duo held up a Moss jersey at midfield, a gesture that prompted Moss to respond on social media with a heartfelt message: “LUV U ALL.”
Jefferson Reflects on Moss’ Legacy
For Jefferson, the tribute was personal. “It was amazing seeing those guys,” Jefferson said, referring to Carter and Reed. “Those are the guys before us. Those are the big three before me, [Jalen Nailor] and [Jordan Addison] came in. … They were brothers when they were playing and still are. It’s great to see the amount of love they still have for each other.”
Jefferson’s admiration for Moss is no secret. The young receiver has often spoken about how Moss inspired him growing up, and Monday night’s tribute was just the latest example of how much he values the Hall of Famer’s impact on his life and career.
Vikings’ Organization Shows Support
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who played alongside Moss in 2008 with the New England Patriots, shared how the team came together to honor the legendary receiver. “You could feel the love for him in the building tonight,” O’Connell said. “He means the world to this organization. His name is up in the rafters in the Ring of Honor. He’s a Hall of Famer … and we’re behind him every step of the way. Care about him, love him. We just wanted to do whatever we could with the platform of ‘Monday Night Football.’ Hopefully, he was watching, and if it gave him any joy at all, it was well worth it because that’s how we feel about him.”
Key Moments from the Night
- Justin Jefferson caught a 7-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and dedicated it to Randy Moss.
- Former Vikings greats Cris Carter and Jake Reed served as honorary captains, holding up a Moss jersey during the coin toss.
- Randy Moss responded to the tribute on social media with the message: “LUV U ALL.”
Monday night wasn’t just about football; it was about family, legacy, and the unbreakable bond between players past and present. For Jefferson, it was a chance to honor the man who inspired him to chase greatness. For the Vikings, it was an opportunity to show their unwavering support for one of their all-time greats. And for Moss, it was a reminder that he’s not fighting this battle alone.
As the NFL community continues to rally around Moss, one thing is clear: his impact on the game and the people who love it will never be forgotten. And as Jefferson’s heartfelt tribute showed, sometimes a simple “We love you” can mean the world.
Originally Written by: Kevin Seifert
