Football fans had plenty to celebrate before Super Bowl LIX even kicked off.
Hall of Famer Randy Moss returned to ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, broadcasting live from New Orleans, after taking a hiatus to focus on his health.
He rejoined fellow NFL Countdown analysts Rex Ryan, Alex Smith and Tedy Bruschi, along with host Mike Greenberg, all of whom have expressed support for their teammate from the onset.
"Hey man, it's great. It's a pleasure to be here," Moss said. "Man, Super Bowl 59. When I was diagnosed ... I was talking to [ESPN producer] Seth Markman, I was telling him, 'I'm gonna stay strong. I'm gonna beat this thing.' And my goal was to be here with you guys. So man, God bless you guys for staying strong with me, with the prayers, the prayer warriors, my doctors, my beautiful wife traveling with me. [I wouldn't want to be anywhere else] than with you guys for Super Bowl 59. It's a great, great day to be here."
Moss in December thanked prayer warriors and well-wishers who had extended support as he faced a cancer diagnosis. He announced at that time he'd undergone a six-day hospital stay and surgery to address cancer that doctors discovered in his bile duct.
"I just wanted y'all to see I did bounce back," Moss said from his home via Instagram Live. "There are a lot of people out there who are either battling cancer, of they've had cancer in their family, people who are fighting."
In addition to unveiling “Team Moss” merch to help raise cancer awareness, Moss told viewers he'd be undergoing "some chemo and radiation" as a follow-up to surgery.
"I'm good," he assured.
Moss' comeback Sunday occurred just a few days after he appeared via videoconference during NFL Honors to announce the 2024 season's Comeback Player of the Year from his home. He was introduced by current Vikings phenom Justin Jefferson — after the younger wideout overcame a teleprompter snafu.
"Playing wide receiver in the NFL is a dream job. But playing this position in Minnesota means something a little extra," Jefferson said. "Because of the tradition of excellence we've got going on there, the list has plenty of stars on it. There is no name bigger, no icon more legendary than Randy Moss.
"I don't need to tell this room or this audience how amazing Randy Moss was on the field," Jefferson added. "You saw it right there in the highlights, and it's all over the record books. But I also know I don't need to tell you about the fight Randy is in right now … So let's let him know how much we are praying for him right now. Let's hear it."
A loud applause followed Jefferson's remarks and welcomed a smiling Moss to the screen, where he — while wearing a Team Moss beanie and hoodie — announced Bengals QB Joe Burrow as the award's winner. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold also had been a finalist for the honor.
