Randy Moss takes extended leave from his position at ESPN due to his health

Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss will take a hiatus from his role as an analyst on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” as he deals with a health issue, the network announced Friday.

Moss, 47, asked his fans to pray for him and his family in an Instagram post on Sunday. He addressed his message to men and urged them to get check-ups and blood tests, without specifying any particular illness.

“I just ask all the prayer warriors to lay your hands of blessing on me and my family in these difficult times. People were talking about my eyes last week,” Moss said before putting on a pair of sunglasses. “I’m fighting something, man, and it’s something internal. Your son is going to get through it. I have a great team of doctors and a great family around me.”

ESPN said in a statement that Moss “will be stepping away from ‘Sunday NFL Countdown’ for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge.”

“For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, constantly elevating ‘Countdown’ with his knowledge and passion,” the network said. “He has the full support of ESPN and we look forward to welcoming him when he is ready.”

Moss played 14 seasons for the Vikings, Raiders, Patriots, Titans and 49ers. He ranks second behind Jerry Rice with 156 touchdown receptions and had 982 career receptions for 15,292 yards. Moss was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.