Randy Moss

Randy Gene Moss (born February 13, 1977 in Rand, West Virginia) is an American football wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders NFL franchise. He formerly played for the Minnesota Vikings prior to a trade in 2005. He is 6 ft 4 in. and weighs 210 lb (95 kg).

NFL career

During the 1998 NFL Draft, Moss was projected as a high first-round pick because of his physical skills, but most teams were afraid to take him because of his personal history. The Vikings finally selected him late in the first round (21st overall pick).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1998, Moss helped the Vikings to become the number one ranked offense in the 1998 season, they also set a record for total points by a team. They finished with a 15-1 winning record and were poised to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. However, during the NFC Championship Game the Atlanta Falcons stunned the Vikings by winning the game, 30-27 in overtime. At the end of the 1998 regular season, Moss was named a Pro Bowl starter and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year for his rookie record 17 touchdown receptions and the third highest receiving yard (1,313) total of 1998.

Related Topics:
1998 - Offense - Super Bowl - Atlanta Falcons

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On September 24, 2002 in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, Moss was driving in his Lexus and was preparing to do an illegal turn. A city worker saw what Moss was trying to do. She stood in front of his car and was ordering him to stop. However, Moss didn't stop his car until she fell on the ground. Moss was originally charged with Suspicion of Assault with a Deadly Weapon which is a felony and a misdemeanor marijuana possession. Moss pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor traffic violation. He was ordered to pay a $1,200 fine and perform 40 hours of community service.

Related Topics:
September 24 - 2002 - Minneapolis, Minnesota - Lexus - Assault - Felony - Misdemeanor - Guilt

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Moss's fortunes took a better turn on the football field during the 2003 regular season, where he became the first wide receiver in history to play more than 12 games (he played 16) while averaging over 100 yards and one touchdown per contest. He finished with 111 receptions for 1632 yards and 17 touchdowns. All three of the numbers either tied or became a new personal best.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Recently he was fined $10,000 because the NFL found his end zone celebration (where he pretended to moon the fans at Lambeau Field) unsportsmanlike. However, Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a respected voice of reason in the NFL, explained, if not defended, Moss' action by pointing out that Green Bay Packers fans are infamous for mooning the buses of departing opponents.http://www.brutallyhonest.org/brutally_honest/2005/01/a_mooning_moss_.html

Related Topics:
Lambeau Field - Indianapolis Colts - Tony Dungy - NFL - Green Bay Packers - Mooning

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On February 23, 2005, Randy's agent reported that Moss was going to be traded to the Oakland Raiders from the Minnesota Vikings for Napoleon Harris, the 7th overall pick and a 7th round pick. The trade was officially consummated on March 2, 2005.

Related Topics:
February 23 - 2005 - Oakland Raiders - Minnesota Vikings - March 2

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Randy Moss made the Pro Bowl 5 times in his 7-year career with the Minnesota Vikings. He made it in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Randy wore number 18 with the Minnesota Vikings in his rookie season's training camp. Moss then switched to number 84. He is currently wearing number 18 with the Oakland Raiders because teammate Jerry Porter owns the rights for the number 84 with the Oakland Raiders.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In August 2005, Moss created his first public relations faux pas as a Raider when he told HBO's Bryant Gumbel that he has smoked marijuana during his NFL career "every blue moon." http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2137525

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~