Rumor or Reality: Randy Moss Edition

By: Whitney Starling | Posted: September 29, 2012

Randy Moss spent his first seven seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings – then, he went on a trade whirlwind, playing with the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, the Vikings again and the Tennessee Titans. He then retired for one season, before joining the San Francisco 49ers.

During all these trades, he’s had his fair share of controversy – thus, we decipher what’s rumor and what’s reality.

Side note: let’s be honest – Moss is not concerned with being politically correct and, most of the time, expresses what everyone else is thinking. We can’t hate on him for that. 

Rumor: He’s past his prime. 

Reality: In the 49ers game against – whom else – the Vikings, Moss caught only three passes for 27 yards. Not exactly a stellar performance. He also let a second down pass just bounce off his hands. As an athlete who holds the NFL single-season touchdown reception record (23, set in 2007), Moss is obviously not as young and sprightly as he used to be. Without a doubt, he is past his prime. The question that remains is, will he be useful to the Niners?

Rumor: He’s not useful to the 49ers. 

Reality: Moss, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has proved his athletic talent. That was never an issue – it was his off-the-field antics (some fun with Mary Jane, bad attitude, quitting on plays and more). This season, he’s had eight receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown. Not necessarily his fault, due to lack of playing time. The Niners have a plethora of receivers to choose from, not to mention Vernon Davis at tight end. The impression right now is that the team doesn’t need Moss, as much as he needs them. However, injuries happen, and it can’t hurt to have a back-up plan in Randy Moss.

Rumor: Moss is selfish.

Reality: In his earlier career, the Marshall University alum wasn’t a good element, pun intended, for team chemistry.  But, in the 2012 season, this may be a misconception. Moss is a more mature 35 now and after a year off, may have made an attitude adjustment. In the press conference announcing his addition to 49ers, Moss repeatedly mentioned how much love and passion he has for the game. If this passion can be translated into self-motivation we just might see a revitalized Randy.

Rumor: He won’t last longer than one year in San Fran.  

Reality: Unfortunately for Moss, this rumor is most likely steeped in truth. He has a very limited role on the team, coupled with the added pressure of competing with a trio of wide receivers – Mario Manningham, Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams. In addition, he’s only under a one-year contract with a salary reportedly just under $2 million. In order to turn this rumor around, Moss is going to have to make the most out of his rare opportunities on the field – not storming off the field before the game is over.

What do you think Niners Nation and football fans? Will Randy Moss wind up being a valuable addition to the 49ers team this season? 

See also: Rumor or Reality: Tony Romo Edition

Whitney Starling is an assistant account executive at MarketWave, a national integrated marketing communications firm, in Dallas. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. You can follow her on Twitter @Whit_Star and @MarketWaveWS.  

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