Randy Moss will step away from his job at ESPN as he deals with a personal health challenge, ESPN announced on Friday.
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According to the statement, The Hall of Fame receiver-turned-analyst will be away from "Sunday NFL Countdown" for an extended time. ESPN expects his return in the future.
"(Moss) briefly addressed the matter at the start of the show on Dec. 1," the statement from ESPN said. "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."
Moss spoke out about the personal health matter after seeing comments on social media about his eyes appearing yellow. He did not provide any details about the nature of the health challenges.
"I just want to share something with you all," Moss said during ESPN's NFL pregame show. "You were talking about my eyes last week and I just want to let the viewers know that me and my wife, me and my family, we are battling something internally. I have some great doctors around me."
Moss continued and said that he was not being disrespectful by wearing sunglasses while on television.
"I'm battling something. I need all the prayer warriors. God bless you all," he added.
Moss, who entered the NFL as a first-round pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, spent 14 seasons in the NFL. He spent just over seven seasons with the Vikings, just over three with the Patriots, two with the Raiders, and one with the 49ers. He also spent part of one season with the Titans.
He was named All-Pro four times while accumulating the fourth-most receiving yards all-time (15,292) and the second-most touchdowns all-time (156).
Moss's career came to an end after the 2012 season. He joined ESPN in 2016 and became an immediate contributor on "Sunday NFL Countdown" and "Monday Night Countdown" while previewing the biggest games in the NFL schedule. He has remained in this role ever since.
