Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) said he texted with NFL legend Randy Moss, who recently announced a cancer diagnosis. File Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
Justin Jefferson had Randy Moss on his mind during the Minnesota Vikings’ latest game. His feelings surfaced when he scored a touchdown and gave tribute to the NFL icon, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
The sequence occurred in the first quarter of the 30-12 triumph over the Chicago Bears on Monday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Advertisement
The Vikings led 3-0 when quarterback Sam Darnold took a snap from the Bears’ 7-yard line. He faked a handoff to his right before lobbing a pass into the back of the end zone, finding Jefferson as he ran toward the right rear corner.
Jefferson did a LeBron James-inspired dance, pounded his chest and found a nearby camera. He then made a heart symbol with his hands and yelled “We love you, Randy! That’s for you.” Advertisement
Jefferson also wore a Randy Moss jersey after the game. Vikings legends Chris Carter and Jake Reed held up another Moss jersey during the pregame coin toss.
“Every game is a plan to get into the end zone, but I definitely wanted to give a tribute to him on one of my touchdowns,” Jefferson told reporters. “It was great to have it done in the first quarter. I’m grateful for what he has done for this game and what he did for me as a kid, just watching him and being a fan of him.
“I’ve always got to show love for him. I texted him and wished him the best of luck. I was happy to see he came out and said he had beaten cancer. I’ll always have him in my prayers.”
ESPN announced Dec. 6 that Moss took a health-related leave from the network. The star wide receiver-turned ESPN analyst announced Friday that cancer was found near a bile duct between his pancreas and liver and he underwent surgery. He was released Friday.
“Your boy is a cancer survivor,” Moss said.
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Moss was in the hospital for six days in Charlotte, N.C. He thanked his doctors for their work, in addition to his family and supporters, in his Instagram video. Moss is now selling cancer-related merchandise on his website, with proceeds going to cancer research. Advertisement
Jefferson totaled 73 yards on seven catches, including his touchdown snatch, against the Bears. The Vikings out-gained the Bears 329 to 284 in total yards and 24-16 in first downs. They never trailed in the Monday Night Football matchup.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed 24 of 40 passes for 231 yards, one score and an interception. Running back Aaron Jones totaled 106 yards from scrimmage and a score.
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams completed 18 of 31 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown. He also lost a fumble.
The Vikings (12-2) will face the Seattle Seahawks (8-6) at 4:05 p.m. EST Sunday in Seattle. The Bears (4-10) will host the Detroit Lions (12-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday in Chicago.
