Justin Jefferson Honors Randy Moss with Touchdown Celebration During Vikings Victory
Justin Jefferson delivered a special touchdown celebration during the Minnesota Vikings‘ 30-12 win over the Chicago Bears, honoring one of his biggest influences, Randy Moss.
After scoring an early touchdown, Jefferson sprinted across the end zone, catching a pass from Sam Darnold. He then performed a dance before making a heart shape with his hands and sending a heartfelt message to Moss: “We love you Randy!”
The tribute came shortly after Moss revealed he was recovering from a six-hour surgery to remove cancer from his bile duct. The Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver, known for his spectacular career with the Vikings and other NFL teams, took a break from his role as an ESPN analyst to focus on his recovery. Moss shared his gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and fellow NFL figures, including Jefferson, who recently sent a text to Moss after hearing about his diagnosis.
The Vikings also honored Moss with a pregame gesture, inviting his former teammates Cris Carter and Jake Reed, who made up the famous “Three Deep” trio alongside Moss, to serve as honorary captains. The trio helped lead the Vikings to a 15-1 record in 1998, a season marked by a heartbreaking NFC Championship loss. Carter and Reed carried a replica Moss jersey to midfield during the coin toss.
In a response to the support, Moss posted on social media using the hashtag “Let’s Moss Cancer,” drawing on his legendary “You got Mossed!” meme that became a hallmark of ESPN’s coverage, often used to highlight a receiver’s impressive play.
Jefferson, who has often cited Moss as a key influence on his career, wore a Moss jersey during his postgame interview. He reflected on the impact Moss had on his life and football journey. “Grateful for what he has done for this game and what he has done for me as a kid just watching him,” Jefferson said. “Being a fan of him, always got to show love to him.”
The connection between the two runs deeper than just admiration. Jefferson played alongside Moss’ son, Thaddeus, at LSU. Despite the tough diagnosis, Jefferson said he continues to keep Moss in his thoughts and prayers, acknowledging the broad effect Moss has had on the world beyond football.
Jefferson’s only regret after the game was a missed opportunity for a second touchdown. In the second quarter, he dropped a pass that would have secured another score, a mistake he admitted to being disappointed about. “I’ll definitely not sleep good at night thinking about that second touchdown,” he said. “Those are the easy ones. I always say the opportunities are limited and you’ve got to make the most of your opportunities.”
Moss, no doubt, would have been understanding, especially given the promising path Jefferson is on. With his impressive performance, Jefferson is on track to eventually join Moss and Carter in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“I’m just happy he’s back on his feet talking and being able to socialize,” Jefferson said, expressing his relief and gratitude for Moss’s recovery. “God bless that.”
