Randy Moss

A deep threat known for his speed and leaping ability.

Randy Gene Moss is widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers and players in NFL history. Born February 13, 1977, he played 14 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers. Known for his extraordinary speed (4.25 40-yard dash at 6 ft 4 in) and a massive vertical leap of 43 inches, Moss dominated defenses by physically overpowering defenders to secure spectacular contested catches. This ability gave rise to the term "mossed," now common in football lexicon. He holds the NFL single-season touchdown reception record with 23 in 2007 and set the rookie record with 17 in 1998.

Quick Facts

Position: Wide receiver
Born: 13 February 1977
Birthplace: Rand, West Virginia, U.S.
High school: DuPont (Dupont City, West Virginia)
College: Florida State (1995), Marshall (1996–1997)
Draft year: 1998
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 21

Lore & Background

Moss's journey began at DuPont High School in Rand, West Virginia, where he led the Panthers to back-to-back state championships in 1992 and 1993. After a racially charged fight in 1995 resulted in a guilty plea for misdemeanor battery and a jail sentence, Notre Dame denied his enrollment. He transferred to Florida State but was dismissed after testing positive for marijuana during his probation. Finally settling at Marshall University, he became a Division I-AA phenomenon in 1996, setting records for most games with a touchdown catch (14) and most receiving yards by a freshman (1,709). In 1997, leading the Thundering Herd to the MAC title, he caught 26 touchdowns. Drafted first round by Minnesota in 1998, he immediately set the rookie TD record and earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Reader's Guide

Moss ranks second all-time in career touchdown receptions and fourth in career receiving yards. He led the league five times in touchdowns, the third most ever, while earning six Pro Bowl selections and four first-team All-Pro honors. His stats include extraordinary physical metrics: a 4.25-second 40-yard dash and a 43-inch vertical leap. At Marshall, he set school records in the 55 meters (6.31) and 200 meters (21.15). In high school basketball, he averaged 30.2 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game. As a track athlete at DuPont in 1992, he won state titles in the 100m (10.94) and 200m (21.95). He was known for spectacular contested catches in tight coverage.

Did You Know?

Moss set the NCAA Division I-AA record for most consecutive games with a touchdown catch (13) and most receiving yards by a freshman (1,709) in 1996.
In his senior basketball season, Moss averaged 30.2 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 5.1 steals while shooting 60% from the field.
Moss was named to Parade magazine's All-American high school football team in 1995 and one of the 50 greatest high school players in 2009.
He led the 1998 Minnesota Vikings (556 points) and 2007 New England Patriots (589 points) to two of the highest-scoring offenses in NFL history at those times.