Today, NFL wide receiver Randy Moss said goodbye to a 13-year career that landed him in the top 10 of many all-time receiving categories. Based on stats alone, it was a Hall of Fame career. And today, it has come to an end for the 34-year-old.
Or has it?
His agent Joel Segal told ESPN about Moss’ decision this afternoon:
“After weighing his options and contemplating offers, he’s decided to retire.”
As of today, Moss is in the record books as one of the greatest receivers to play the game. His 954 career receptions puts him tied for 8th on the all time list and his 153 Touchdowns puts him in second place, behind the great Jerry Rice.
According to Segal, Moss simply didn’t receive the types of offers that he was hoping for. “He’s such a competitor and wanted to go back. However, he wanted to go back in certain places,” Segal said. “He wanted to be on a championship team in his mind.”
Apparently Randy wanted a ring, something that eluded him during his entire career. His best chance for a championship probably came in 2007 when his New England Patriot team went 16-0 only to be beaten by the NY Giants in the Super Bowl.
Moss spent the bulk of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.
The football world is reacting to the news on Twitter –
@QBKILLA
Warren Sapp#Shame RT @michaelombardi The sad thing about Randy Moss’s career is that he played on a 16-0 team and a 15-1 team and has no ring….
38 minutes ago via TweetDeck · powered by @socialditto
@michaelombardi
Michael LombardiThe sad thing about Randy Moss’s career is that he played on a 16-0 team and a 15-1 team and has not ring…. 43 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@kirkmorrison55
Kirk MorrisonMy rookie year in Oakland, I would watch in amazement of the 1 on 1 Randy Moss vs Charles Woodson battles in practice. #EpicMoments 2 hours ago via UberSocial for BlackBerry · powered by @socialditto
@RobertMathis98
ROBERT MATHISI bet they still are going to be saying…. “He Got MOSS’D” 10 years from now! 1 hour ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@kirkmorrison55
Kirk MorrisonRandy Moss retiring after 13 NFL seasons. Much respect to one of the most explosive wide receivers in NFL history. 2 hours ago via UberSocial for BlackBerry · powered by @socialditto
@FABEWASH31
FABIAN WASHINGTONEverybody knew what time it was when Moss threw that hand up. They was about to get MOSS’D. #Respect 1 hour ago via Echofon · powered by @socialditto
@AntonioPierce
Antonio PierceHe was just “MOSSED” who else has that.. Much respect. Hated playing against him. Nightmare 2 hours ago via Twitterrific · powered by @socialditto
Many are skeptical that Moss is actually calling it quits –
@JasonRomano
Jason RomanoRobert Smith (former Moss teammate) on SportsCenter — “I’ll be completely shocked if Randy Moss stays retired. I don’t think he’s done.” 1 hour ago via Echofon · powered by @socialditto
@RealSkipBayless
Skip BaylessHave hard time believing Randy Moss retired. Pride no doubt hurt b/c teams no longer lining up to pay big $ for him. But suspect will return 1 hour ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@DamienDW
Damien Dante WayansRANDY MOSS RETIRES: I THINK he’ll be BACK, he’s just FRUSTRATED w/ FREE AGENCY right now… #StayTuned #NFL 2 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto
“If both men are true to their word, Randy Moss and Brett Favre would be eligible to go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame together,” says ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
That would be interesting. There are also debates on Twitter right now about whether or not Moss will make it into the Hall of Fame. Get real – people actually say that defensive players “got Mossed.” His name is a verb for making a spectacular catch. He’ll get in.
What do you think? Is he really gone for good? Let us know in the comments.