Ultimate Vikings Mount Rushmore: Who deserves the honor?
By Adam Patrick
Randy Moss – WR
Records and Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2018)
- Offensive Rookie of the Year (1998)
- Most single-season touchdown catches by a rookie (17)
- 2nd-most career receptions in Vikings history (587)
- 2nd-most career receiving yards in Vikings history (9,316)
- 2nd-most career touchdown catches in Vikings history (92)
- 5-time Pro Bowl selection (with Minnesota)
- 3-time First-Team All-Pro (with Minnesota)
Some might be wondering why Randy Moss is the wide receiver on the Vikings Mount Rushmore and not Cris Carter. It’s fair to question this, but despite Carter owning most of Minnesota’s significant all-time receiving records, his time in the NFL didn’t impact the entire sport of football like Moss was able to do.
When he entered the league, Moss was a rare mix of blazing-fast speed and exceptional size. But when he combined that with his football smarts and his elite route-running ability, he was virtually unstoppable out on the field.
Moss’s arrival to the Vikings reignited a Minnesota fan base that was almost abandoned by team ownership for another city. His addition to the purple and gold rekindled the passion of the Twin Cities for the Vikings and it also ushered in a new generation of fans for the team.
His impact in Minnesota goes beyond what he was able to do out on the field, which is why he is the receiver that was selected for the Vikings Mount Rushmore and not Carter.