Randy Moss
Legendary wide receiver and Hall of Famer who set the single-season touchdown record.
Randy Gene Moss (born February 13, 1977) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time and one of the greatest players in NFL history, he holds the NFL single-season touchdown reception record (23 in 2007), as well as the NFL single-season touchdown reception record for a rookie (17 in 1998).
- Role
- Wide Receiver
- Key Achievement
- Led NFL in Touchdown Receptions (2007)
- Record Set
- Set the single-season record with 23 touchdown receptions (2007)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Moss was traded to the New England Patriots in 2007, where he experienced a career resurgence and set the single-season record for total touchdown receptions. That season, he helped lead the Patriots to a record-breaking 16–0 regular season record and an appearance in Super Bowl XLII, where they were upset by the New York Giants. In October 2010, Moss returned to the Vikings in a trade from the Patriots but was waived less than a month later and then claimed by the Tennessee Titans.
In Their Own Story
The 2007 season defined Moss's resurgence. Every week, he demonstrated why he was widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history, utilizing his 6 ft 4 in frame and 43-inch vertical to secure passes over elite cornerbacks. The offense, fueled by Moss's deep threat capability, accumulated points at an unprecedented rate. In October 2010, after a brief return to Minnesota and a stint with the Tennessee Titans, he would eventually sign with the San Francisco 49ers, but his 2007 campaign in New England stood as a singular peak of dominance. The season culminated in an appearance in Super Bowl XLII, where the Patriots were upset by the New York Giants, ending the perfect regular season run. Despite the loss, Moss's individual achievement that year remains untouchable.
Reader's Guide
Moss played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd and earned Unanimous All-American honors in 1997. A six-time Pro Bowl and four-time first-team All-Pro selection, Moss was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft, where he set the single-season record for touchdown receptions in a rookie season and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In his first stint with the Vikings, Moss caught 90 touchdown receptions in his first seven seasons, as well as having more than 1,200 yards in each of his first six seasons. He was traded in 2005 to the Oakland Raiders, where he experienced a slump in play, notably due to the lack of talent surrounding him and perceived decline.
Did You Know?
- Moss holds the NFL single-season touchdown reception record with 23 in 2007.
- Moss set the NFL rookie record for touchdown receptions with 17 in 1998.
- Moss was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Moss is a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Randy Moss during his Patriots tenure?
He served as a Hall of Fame wide receiver who joined the team from Minnesota immediately prior to the 2007 campaign. Donning jersey number 81, he became the focal point of an offense that aimed for perfection.
What were Randy Moss's key statistics with New England?
During his first year in Foxborough, he tied Jerry Rice's single-season record by catching 23 touchdowns while leading the NFL in that category. These numbers fueled a historic regular season where the Patriots did not lose a single game.
How long was Randy Moss part of the Patriots organization?
His time with the franchise spanned two seasons, covering both 2007 and 2008 before he moved on to other clubs. Despite this brief window, his impact remains one of the most significant in the team's legacy.
Why do fans consider Randy Moss essential to the 2007 season?
His electrifying speed forced defenses to adjust their coverage schemes entirely, which opened up opportunities for other players on the roster. This partnership with Tom Brady created a passing attack that redefined offensive expectations in the league.
How did Randy Moss's story conclude in New England?
Following the 2008 season, he departed Foxborough to continue his career elsewhere after two years of high-profile play. His departure marked the end of an era defined by record-breaking touchdowns and an undefeated regular season.
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