MIAMI — Ask Randy Moss where he ranks among the NFL’s all-time wide receivers, and he’ll give you a fiery response.
“Is that a real question?” Moss, the Hall of Famer, starts. “Are you being political or are you being real?
“Because if we’re talking political, we’ll say Jerry Rice. If we’re talking real football, where I knock your ass out, it’s me.”
With that kind of fire, competitiveness and determination to beat whoever or whatever is in front of him, it’s no wonder why cancer hasn’t stood much of a chance against Moss.
Moss was in Miami on Friday morning as owner/partner of his chicken restaurant, Crisppi’s, promoting an official grand opening of his location on Biscayne Boulevard after the location opened its doors in January. His recovery from cancer in his bile duct finally allowed him to make the physical appearance to promote the restaurant.
Moss stepped away from his role as an analyst on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” on Dec. 6. The following week on Instagram Live, he introduced himself as a cancer survivor. He said he had surgery to put a stent in his liver on Thanksgiving and underwent a six-hour procedure to remove the cancer. Moss revealed then he also had radiation and chemotherapy on the horizon.
He made an emotional return to the show in February as part of ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage. ESPN expects Moss to make a full-time return to the program this season, according to The Athletic earlier this month.
“I’m doing great. It took me seven months to be able to recover,” said Moss on Friday, with an array of chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches and waffles in front of him, ready to be sampled.
He said he still goes through treatments and check-ups. He will continue to travel with a chemo port for another couple of months.
“It’s a hell of a ride. That’s all I’ll say,” Moss said.
After Moss unveiled his diagnosis, the football community showered him with support and well wishes. The hashtag #MossCancer gained popularity as an ode to how he used to “Moss” opposing defensive backs by going up and catching footballs over them, most notably in his years with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots from his rookie year in 1998 through the early 2000s.
“It’s just an endless amount,” Moss said of the support. “One thing, I just want to thank everybody for the encouragement and just the support.”
Moss said he couldn’t wait to get cleared by doctors to start tasting his own restaurant’s food. He’s always been a big chicken sandwich fan and said, when he tasted the Crisppi’s recipe, it supplanted his longtime No. 1 chicken sandwich he ever had, once in Nashville.
He thinks it’ll be a great combination to try some of his Crisppi’s favorites — the sweet Thai chili sandwich and Fruity Pebbles waffles — while watching Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill catch deep balls on the Hard Rock Stadium field.
Crisppi’s chicken will be served at two concession stands at the stadium — outside sections 100 and 300, Moss said.
He revealed it’s a five-year partnership Crisppi’s will have with the Dolphins and their home venue.
“The Miami Dolphins (have) seen something,” Moss said. “They’ve seen our vision of us being able to give something to the community, something tasteful.”
As for the Dolphins on the field this season, Moss said: “I think it’s going to be pretty interesting. Bringing (safety) Minkah (Fitzpatrick) back, trading (cornerback) Jalen (Ramsey). With all the drama and things off the field that’s been going on, I’m just looking for a big year for this offense — (quarterback) Tua (Tagovailoa) and Tyreek Hill, mainly.”
With his take on his own placement among all-time receivers known, he’s not giving Hill nearly the same nod.
“He’s nowhere all-time,” Moss said. “Where is he at in today’s game? Tyreek Hill is probably top five. I put him top five.”
Crisppi’s is located at 2917 Biscayne Boulevard in the heart of Miami. Its purpose, as stated in a press release, “is to redefine fast-casual dining by delivering a luxurious yet accessible experience for those who crave the comfort of classic favorites with an elevated twist.”
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