The Minnesota Vikings have shown love for Randy Moss after he revealed last week that he is now a cancer survivor. But another one of Minnesota's biggest legends, Adam Thielen, shouted out the Hall of Famer in a big way as he showed up for work on Sunday.
Thielen, now with the Carolina Panthers, grew up a Vikings fan and spent many Sundays cheering for Moss. Before Carolina's game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Thielen honored Moss, wearing a throwback No. 84 Vikings jersey as he arrived at Bank of America Stadium.
Panthers WR Adam Thielen showed up today showing love to Randy Moss.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2024
📸 @Panthers pic.twitter.com/mqjCrVrgA0
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen shows support for Minnesota Vikings legend Randy Moss
Moss has been in the news since he revealed he was battling “an internal health issue” two weeks ago. The 47-year-old stepped away from his job as an analyst on ESPN’s "Sunday NFL Countdown" the following week, and rumors began to circulate about what Moss was dealing with.
During a live video on his Instagram account this past Friday, he revealed that doctors had found cancer in his bile duct between his pancreas and liver. Moss shared that he underwent successful six-hour surgery to remove the cancer and spent six days in the hospital before being released.
During the video, Moss called himself “a cancer survivor” and thanked “the prayer warriors" for their support. He also shared that he will undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment in the coming weeks.
Moss is one of the greatest receivers in NFL history, but the biggest impact he made during his career was with the Vikings.
The 22nd overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, Moss caught 587 passes for 9,316 yards and 92 touchdowns in eight seasons (1998-2004, 2010) with Minnesota and ranks second in franchise history in receptions, yards, and touchdowns behind Cris Carter.
While Moss is already in the Vikings’ Ring of Honor, Thielen has an excellent chance to join him in the future.
Thielen has one of the best origin stories in franchise history, growing up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and going on to play for the Vikings from 2013 to 2022. He also ranks third in franchise history with 534 receptions and 55 touchdowns and fifth in receiving yards (6,682).
Although Thielen is no longer a member of the Vikings, he still shows appreciation to the franchise, whether working with J.J. McCarthy last summer or honoring Moss by wearing his jersey. Whenever he hangs it up, Thielen will be held in a similar regard as Moss, and Sunday’s act of kindness shows his heart hasn’t left Minnesota.