Randy Moss is one of the greatest wide receivers to ever lace up a pair of cleats. Moss had elite speed to separate from receivers, amazing vertical ability to jump over defenders, and consistent hands to reel in every catch from quarterbacks. He was a force to be reckoned with every single snap he ever played in the NFL, and this weekend Moss gets his name forever engraved in football lore.
Moss played 14 seasons for six different teams during his career including three for the New England Patriots. With the Patriots, Moss played in 52 games, caught 259 passes, had 3,904 receiving yards, and scored 50 touchdowns. His best season came in 2007 with the Patriots in which he broke Jerry Rice‘s single-season record for touchdown receptions. In honor of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it’s time to take a look back at Moss’ tenure with the Pats.
A Look Back at Randy Moss and the New England Patriots
How Randy Moss Joined the New England Patriots
During his first seven seasons in the NFL, Randy Moss was the star that lit the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for the Minnesota Vikings. During his seven seasons in Minnesota, the Vikings made multiple playoff appearances and Moss became a star in the league. Moss made multiple Pro Bowls and was a regular fixture on All-Pro teams. Starting in 2003 problems between Moss and the Vikings began to occur. Moss was battling injuries and had issues with the Viking coaching staff. In 2004 they traded him to the Oakland Raiders.
Moss was sent to football purgatory. During the mid-2000’s, the Raiders were among the worst teams in football. Moss publicly stated his frustrations with the Raiders in 2006. Moss said, “I might want to look forward to moving somewhere else next year to have another start and really feel good about going out here and playing football”. The Raiders were the worst team in football, and Moss was not utilized to his full potential. Moss needed another home and the Patriots needed a deep threat for Tom Brady.
Randy Moss Becomes a Patriot and Destroys the League
By the time the 2007 off-season came around, the Patriots realized that they needed a legitimate threat to take the offense to the next level. Moss had been one of Bill Belichick‘s favorite players in the league due to his ability to take over late in games. The Patriots had contacted the Raiders around the time of the 2007 NFL Draft with an offer for Moss. Over the course of a few days, the Patriots pulled off the deal and Moss became a Patriot in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
Moss torched defenses during the 2007 season. For the first time in his career, Brady had an elite target to throw to. Moss’ Patriots debut came in Week One against the New York Jets. He caught nine passes for 181 yards and a touchdown in the 38-14 victory. This set Moss up for a huge 2007 season. Week after week Moss gave defenses fits and scored touchdown after touchdown. Heading into Week 17, Moss and the Patriots were 15-0. Moss needed two touchdowns to break the single-season record for touchdown receptions.
During the Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants, Moss reeled in two touchdowns to break Jerry Rice’s record and led the Patriots to a 38-35 victory over the Giants. This sealed the Patriots perfect 16-0 regular season, and the Patriots went on to make the Super Bowl. Moss scored his first and what looked to be the go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl XLII, but the Giants scored late ending the Patriots dream season.
Randy Moss and the 2008 and 2009 Seasons
During the 2008 season opener, Brady was injured on an unnecessary low hit from Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard. After the injury, Moss said, “any time you see something like that, that looks foul, it looks dirty, it opens your eyes. So, me personally, it looked dirty.” Matt Cassell would take over, and Moss would have another outstanding season. Moss would again torch defenses around the league. He hauled in 69 passes, for 1,008 yards and 11 touchdowns. Moss’ efforts weren’t enough as the Patriots missed the postseason.
Brady and Moss would reunite again for the 2009 season. The duo led the Patriots to a come-from-behind victory in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills. Moss’ 12 receptions and 141 yards showed the league that he was about to dominate again with Brady behind center. Moss would have a classic performance in a snow-filled blowout against the Tennessee Titans. He caught three touchdowns in the difficult conditions from Brady who threw five touchdowns in the first half. Moss would go back and forth with Terrell Owens for second place in the all-time receiving touchdowns list. Moss would return to the playoffs and finished the season with 1,264 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The End of an Era
2010 would be Randy Moss’ last season in New England. After Moss and the Patriots both mutually agreed that it was time to part ways, Moss was traded to the Vikings during the 2010 season. Moss scored three touchdowns in his final four games with the Patriots in 2010. Moss would later play for the Tennesee Titans in 2010. After a short stint in retirement, his final season came with the San Fransisco 49ers in 2012. Moss went to another Super Bowl but fell short against the Baltimore Ravens. He then retired after the 2012 season. His resume is filled with six Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro selections, 1998 Offensive Rookie of the Year, five receiving touchdowns championships, and two Super Bowl appearances.
Randy Moss is one of the greatest Patriots of the 21st Century. His tenure in New England is one for the history books, and will forever remain in New England lore. On August 4th, 2018, Moss received football’s highest honor and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After a long career that featured numerous moments that will be forever remembered, Moss is finally where he belongs forever: Canton, Ohio.
