Veteran receiver Randy Moss is expected to retire from the NFL after 13 seasons as a pro, according to reports. Both ESPN and NFL.com reports that the 34-year-old free agent received offers from several teams, but made his decision to retire when the teams on his short wish list showed no interest in signing him. “Randy has weighed his options and considered the offers and has decided to retire,” Moss’ agent, Joel Segal told ESPN.
Moss will retire with one of the most impressive career resumes in the history of the game. Selected No. 21 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1998 draft, Moss made an immediate impact, catching an NFL record 17 touchdowns passes his rookie season. He went on to produce six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons with the Vikings, then linked up with the New England Patriots late in his career for another three straight 1,000-yard receiving years. He was a vital weapon for the Patriots during their 2007 run for a perfect 16-0 season, breaking Jerry Rice’s single-season touchdown catches record with 23 that same year. He is tied for second place in league history with 153 career touchdown catches.
Moss began last season with the Patriots, but was traded midseason to the team that drafted him, the Minnesota Vikings. He was released by the Vikings four weeks later, and was picked up by the Tennessee Titans. He didn’t make much of an impact for either team.
Moss’ retirement may come as surprise because his agent told NFL.com earlier this summer that six-time Pro Bowler was in “freakish shape” after working all spring and summer in his hometown in West Virginia. “He is determined, motivated and quite frankly has a huge chip on his shoulder. Whatever team ends up getting Randy, they’re going to know they’re getting the old Randy Moss,” Segal told NFL.com two weeks ago. “He’s not just coming in to be on the team, he’s going to be Randy Moss — a difference-maker.”
Moss’ former college coach told ESPN that he’ll still be remembered for his greatness whether he retires or decides to come back. “Randy has been a great player for a long time,” said former Marshall University coach Bob Pruett. “He’s choosing this on his own terms and I think that’s good. If that’s what he wants to do, that’s what he should do.”