Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss has publicly shared the full scope of his battle with bile duct cancer and his path to recovery. In a deeply personal interview, Moss revealed the diagnosis that halted his broadcasting career—and how he found strength in faith, family, and football.
A Diagnosis That Hit Like a Ton of Bricks
Moss told Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts that symptoms began with dark-colored urine and jaundice. Those early warning signs led to a Stage 2 cancer diagnosis in his bile duct. “I was overwhelmed,” Moss said. “It hit like a ton of bricks.”
He described entering “fight mode” immediately following the diagnosis. Moss underwent a grueling six-hour Whipple procedure that removed parts of several organs, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “I talk about my faith in the Lord. I talk about how much I love my family. … and that added ‘fight’ became what I needed,” he said.
Moss credited his wife, Lydia, with becoming his steadfast caregiver. “It was hard for me, because he didn’t want our help,” Lydia told Roberts. “But as much as he tried to push us away, he realized we needed him—and he needed us.”
Moss reflected on the emotional toll of grief still felt from the unexpected passing of his brother Eric in 2019. “My brother died at 48 … I always prayed to God, ‘Just get me to 50,’” he shared.
Moss also revealed how his experience helped another NFL icon: longtime friend and coaching figure Deion Sanders. When Sanders faced his own cancer battle, he called Moss in a moment of despair. “He said, ‘I need you,’” Moss recalled. Sharing the same message Lydia had given him—to let loved ones in—Moss urged Sanders to do the same. “A couple of days later, he texted me back and told me ‘Thank you,’” Moss said. “That lifted a burden off my chest.”
Earlier this week, Moss celebrated completing his cancer treatment at Atrium Health in Charlotte by ringing the ceremonial bell—an emotional milestone marked by gratitude and joy. He told hospital staff: “These folks welcomed me into their family … God bless you.”
Now in remission, Moss is set to return full-time to ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown starting Sept. 7, aligning with the kickoff of the 2025 NFL season.