One Of The Great Ones

After 13 seasons in the NFL, WR Randy Moss has decided to call it quits. Moss played for 4 NFL teams, including two stints with the Vikings. Randy Moss has had one of the more interesting careers in NFL History. Moss was selected 21st overall by the Vikings in the 1998 NFL Draft. Moss likely would have gone higher, however concerns about his character and other things, forced him to slide to the Vikings.

Randy Moss started his career with a bang, producing what many consider the best rookie season in NFL History. In Moss's first career game against the Buccaneers, he showed his play-making ability, catching two touchdown passes. Moss only got better from there, catching a rookie record 17 touchdowns, a record that still stands today. In 1998, Moss helped the Vikings become one of the best offenses in NFL History, scoring a then, NFL record 556 points. Randy Moss would not only be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1998, but also a Pro Bowl starter for the NFC.

Moss would continue to be sensational with the Vikings for 6 more seasons, making the Pro Bowl in 4 of those seasons. In 2001, Randy Moss received the biggest contract for a Wide Receiver in NFL History, a deal in which he made $75 million, over 8 years. However, in 2004 he had his worst season as a Viking, recording only 49 receptions for 767 yards. On March 2nd, 2005, Randy Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders. Moss made 5 Pro Bowls in his career with Minnesota.

Moss would not live up to the hype in Oakland, he would be limited by injuries, and many believed that he simply did not want to play for the Raiders. On Day 1 of the 2007 NFL Draft, Patriots coach Bill Belichick made one of his greatest moves. The Patriots acquired Randy Moss from the Raiders in exchange for a 4th Round Pick. Moss definitely provided a lot more value than that.

In Moss's first season in New England, he produced one of the greatest single seasons for a Wide Receiver in NFL History. Moss broke Jerry Rice's single season record of 22 touchdown receptions, by catching 23 touchdowns. The 2007 New England Patriots were one of the best teams in NFL History, breaking the record of the 1998 Minnesota Vikings by scoring 582 points. The Patriots also went 16-0 that season, the best regular season record in NFL History, besting the 1972 Miami Dolphins who went 14-0. However, the Patriots would lose to the New York Giants, 17-14 in the Super Bowl, in one of the greatest upsets in NFL History.

Moss would spend 2 more full seasons in New England, before being traded back to the Vikings in Week 4 of the 2010 season. 2010 would be Moss's worst and final season as a pro, finishing the season with career lows, 28 receptions, and 393 yards. Moss spent 2010 with 3 teams, after the Vikings waived Moss and finished the year with the Titans.

Randy Moss will retire with career numbers that will blow your mind, 954 catches, 14,858 receiving yards, and 153 receiving touchdowns(T-2nd All Time with Terrell Owens). It may not be crystal clear, but in my mind, Randy Moss will be in the Hall Of Fame. Moss retires as maybe the best deep-threat in NFL History.

Written on August 1st