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Pro Football Hall of Famer and ESPN NFL analyst Randy Moss' possible serious health diagnosis was unwantedly revealed by longtime Minneapolis sports reporter Larry Fitzgerald Sr., the father of future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald shared a post on his X account claimed he "just heard" that Moss was diagnosed with liver cancer," which led to a scathing response from Moss' son, former LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss.
"This is disgusting. You have no right to try to make private matters public for the sake of engagement. I do not believe my father talks to you, so check your f**king sources," the younger Moss wrote in response to Fitzgerald.
The initial post gained the attention of fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre, who mentioned a liver cancer diagnosis in his initial version of a post sharing his concern, which was denied by Thaddeus.
"Brett, the support is appreciated, truly. This is not true. My father will address the world when he is ready to," the younger Moss wrote, having also wrote "Thank you" in response to Favre commenting back the prayer hands emoji.
ESPN announced Moss would "step away" from ESPN's NFL pregame show Sunday NFL Countdown as he continues to battle a serious health issue in a statement shared last Friday (December 6).
"Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss will step away from Sunday NFL Countdown for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge," ESPN said. "He briefly addressed the matter at the start of the show on Dec. 1. For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating Countdown with his insight and passion. He has ESPN's full support, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready."
The decision came less than a week after Moss, 47, revealed that he's battling a serious health issue in a post shared on his Instagram account and during the opening segment of Sunday NFL Countdown on December 1.
"I'm battling something man and it's something internal, your boy is going to get through it," Moss said in the Instagram post. "I got a great team of doctors and got a great family around me."
"I just ask for all the prayer warriors ... to put their blessing hands on me and my family through these hard times," Moss added.
Moss, widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers of all-time, played 14 seasons in the NFL after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings at No. 21 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. The West Virginia spent his first seven seasons with the Vikings -- as well as four games in 2010 -- before being traded to the then-Oakland Raiders in 2005 and New England Patriots in 2007, while also appearing in games for the Tennessee Titans in 2010 and San Francisco 49ers in 2012.
Moss recorded 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns during his 12-year NFL career and was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, as well as the College Football Hall of Fame earlier this year.