Randy Moss Retires and We're Left to Wonder What Might Have Been

Though he was a first round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, Randy Moss, the 6-4 speedy receiver from Marshall University felt disrespected by teams who passed on him in the draft. He didn't have to wait long to get his revenge, winning offensive rookie of the year that season. Successful immediately, Moss caught four passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns in his first professional game and finished his rookie season with 1313 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Moss was amazing to watch outrunning and out jumping, overmatched defenders who attempted to cover him. It seemed unfair as cornerbacks tried to defend jump balls in the corner and back of the end zone. Randy Moss was an exciting receiver who made his quarterback's job easy and defensive backs jobs hell.

In his beginning days in Minnesota, where Moss spent his first seven years, the receiver gained over 1,000 yards receiving every year except his final year with the Vikings, in 2004 when he gained 767 yards in 13 games. Unfortunately, his bad behavior began to overshadow his play. From the accusations that he took plays off to the fake mooning in Green Bay, Moss wore out his welcome in Minnesota.

A seemingly perfect match, Moss went to the Raiders, a team that resembled the island of misfit toys. Moss was a hit in Oakland in his first season in 2005 gaining over 1,000 yards. The following year Moss would get the opportunity of his career. In a trade that sent him to the Patriots, redemption awaited Moss in New England.

Teamed with one of the best quarterbacks of our generation, Tom Brady, and one of the best coaches, Bill Belichick, Randy Moss finally had the opportunity to win a championship. As with his previous teams, Moss put up good numbers in New England gaining over 1,000 yards in his first year as a Patriot. Moss was the perfect weapon for the Patriots and Brady.

As with disgruntled veterans in the past, Moss was a model player in his initial time in New England. His past bad behavior seemingly behind him, the team set a touchdown record in 2007, Moss's first season as a Patriot when the receiver caught 23 touchdown passes.

Moss seemed happy in New England and content to finish his NFL career there, but that changed when the Patriots failed to sign him to a contract extension. Though there was no denying Moss's contributions, the Patriot's offense evolved with the emergence of new offensive weapons. Moss was ultimately traded to the Vikings and with Wes Welker and rookie tight ends Bruce Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and the return of Deion Branch the Patriot's offense didn't miss Moss after he was traded.

Initially motivated by his desire to prove his doubters wrong Moss ultimately failed to show a passion for the game. Not interested in blocking like fellow receiver Hines Ward or work hard at his craft like Jerry Rice, Moss was a player blessed with tremendous physical ability. In the end, Moss was a great player his stats will show that. With the exception of 2010 in which he played for three teams, Moss finished with over 1,000 yards receiving each year he played in 16 games . The receiver leaves behind an enviable highlight reel, an amazing receiver who at the top of his game was unstoppable. The sad thing is Moss could've been better.

If his desire and respect for the game were even close to his physical talent, Moss would've retired one of the greatest receivers in the game instead of retiring an unwanted player. Playing for three teams in his final year, the end of Moss's career resembled the beginning, with several teams passing on the receiver, but this time there'll be no chance to prove them wrong.

Moss leaves behind great career stats 14,858 yards receiving with 153 touchdowns in the regular season. Impressive numbers, but you'll always wonder what could have been.

Sources:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/

http://www.nfl.com/player/randymoss

http://www.cw56.com/news/articles/sports

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats//randy-moss

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/randy-moss/careerstats