NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss hit a huge milestone on September 8, 2025. He rang the ceremonial bell at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, celebrating the end of his cancer treatment.
It was an emotional day. Moss had just wrapped up months of chemotherapy and radiation for stage 2 bile duct cancer, which doctors found in December 2024.
At 48, the ESPN analyst finished treatment for a rare bile duct cancer that develops between the pancreas and liver. He had surgery to remove parts of several organs, then spent six days in the hospital before starting chemo and radiation.
Even with all that, he got back to his ESPN gig before the Super Bowl earlier this year. That’s some serious determination.
The bell-ringing ceremony stands for hope and recovery for one of the game’s best receivers. Moss thanked the medical staff who stuck by him through the hardest months of his life.
Key Takeaways
- Randy Moss finished cancer treatment and rang the bell at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute on September 8, 2025.
- Doctors diagnosed him with stage 2 bile duct cancer in December 2024. He went through surgery, chemo, and radiation.
- The Hall of Famer managed to return to his ESPN analyst job, staying positive throughout his treatment.
Randy Moss’s Bell-Ringing Moment and Cancer Journey
Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss completed his cancer treatment at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. He marked the milestone with an emotional bell-ringing ceremony.
His journey from diagnosis to recovery included stage 2 bile duct cancer, months of chemo and radiation, and—finally—beating the disease.
Diagnosis and Initial Reactions
Doctors discovered Moss’s cancer in December 2024 during what was supposed to be a routine procedure. He’d gone in to get a stent put in his liver because waste wasn’t draining right.
That’s when they found cancer in his bile duct, which sits between the pancreas and liver. Stage 2 bile duct cancer—rare, aggressive, and not what anyone wants to hear.
Moss said he felt overwhelmed by the news. He told Robin Roberts that getting cancer was like being “hit with a ton of bricks” after always living healthy.
The former NFL star stepped away from ESPN to focus on his health. He had surgery to remove the cancer and spent six days in the hospital recovering.
Treatment Process at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute
Moss got his treatment at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte. His doctors threw everything at the disease.
The plan:
- Surgery to remove cancerous tissue
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
During surgery, doctors removed parts of several organs. It was a big operation, but necessary because of where the cancer was.
Moss managed to return to ESPN before the Super Bowl in early 2025. He kept working while still doing chemo and radiation.
He praised the medical staff and leaned on his faith, family, football, and fighting spirit to get through it all.
Bell-Ringing Ceremony and Its Significance
Randy Moss rang the bell at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute on Thursday, September 5, 2025. That tradition marks the official end of cancer treatment.
Someone caught the emotional moment on video and it spread fast on social media. Moss fought back tears as he thanked hospital staff who had honestly become like family by then.
“I want to thank everybody here at this hospital for welcoming me to be a part of their family,” Moss said. He couldn’t say enough about the care and dedication he received.
The bell ringing stands for hope and recovery. For Moss, it was the end of a brutal chapter and proof he’d beaten bile duct cancer.
Moss is back on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown now. His recovery is inspiring plenty of folks facing their own health battles.
Impact on Career and Personal Legacy
Moss’s cancer fight changed his broadcasting career at ESPN and brought him even closer to the NFL community. He had to step away from Sunday NFL Countdown, but his return showed just how tough he is.
Temporary Departure from ESPN and Return to Sunday NFL Countdown
Moss left ESPN when he had cancer surgery in December. The former wide receiver spent six days in the hospital after they removed the tumor.
He made it back to ESPN just before the Super Bowl in 2025. That timing let him cover one of football’s biggest games.
He showed real commitment by coming back to work while still in treatment. He even appeared on air at the UNC season opener, where his old Patriots coach Bill Belichick now leads the Thundering Herd.
His ESPN colleagues supported his time off for treatment. ESPN held his spot on Sunday NFL Countdown until he was ready to return.
Support from NFL Community and Fans
The NFL world rallied around Moss while he fought cancer. Players, coaches, and analysts offered encouragement at every turn.
Fans from his Vikings and Patriots days—and everywhere else—sent tons of support. Social media was full of messages from former teammates and rivals alike.
The wide receiver community in particular showed up for him. Many current and former NFL players acknowledged just how much he meant to the game.
Back home in West Virginia and at Marshall University, people kept rooting for him. That local support meant a lot during his recovery.
Reflecting on Wide Receiver Achievements and Hall of Fame Status
Moss’s cancer journey reminded everyone just how epic his Hall of Fame career was. His 2018 induction still stands out as the top of his wide receiver achievements.
Career Highlights:
- Six Pro Bowl selections
- Second all-time in touchdown receptions
- Fourth all-time in receiving yards
- Highest career yards per catch average in NFL history
His college days at Marshall got new attention too. Moss led the Thundering Herd to an undefeated season and a 25-3 record over two years.
The NFL record for most touchdown catches in a season? Still his. That’s just one example of his dominance over 14 seasons.
His Hall of Fame status gave him perspective during the tough times. Moss kept talking about faith, family, football, and fight—the four pillars that got him through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer patients and their families often wonder about treatment completion ceremonies and what recovery looks like. Knowing the traditions and medical side helps people understand milestone celebrations, like the one Moss had.
What is the significance of ringing the bell for cancer patients after treatment?
Ringing the bell is a big milestone for anyone finishing cancer treatment. It means chemo, radiation, or other tough therapies are finally over.
Hospitals use the bell to celebrate patients’ strength and perseverance. It’s a way to close out a hard-fought chapter.
For most, that bell means hope and triumph. It also gives encouragement to others still in the thick of treatment.
How did Randy Moss celebrate the completion of his cancer treatment?
Randy Moss rang the ceremonial bell at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte. Family and hospital staff were there for the emotional moment.
The Hall of Famer got choked up during the ceremony. He thanked the medical team for welcoming him into their extended family.
Moss said he was grateful for the care he received. He praised the staff for their dedication to helping cancer patients.
What type of cancer was Randy Moss treated for?
Moss had bile duct cancer between his pancreas and liver. Doctors found it when he went in for a stent in his liver.
It was stage 2 when they caught it. Surgeons removed parts of several organs to treat the disease.
He spent six days in the hospital after surgery, then went through both chemo and radiation as part of his care plan.
What does ringing the bell signify for patients like Randy Moss at the end of their cancer treatment journey?
The bell ceremony means the end of active cancer treatment. It’s the moment someone goes from patient to survivor.
For patients, it’s a huge emotional release after months of intense therapy. The ritual gives credit to their courage and determination.
It’s also a way to thank the medical team. The ceremony creates a positive memory after a tough health journey.
Are there any traditions or ceremonies that patients undergo after completing cancer therapy, similar to Randy Moss’ experience?
Most cancer centers now offer bell-ringing ceremonies for patients who finish treatment. It’s become pretty standard in hospitals across the U.S.
Some places hand out certificates or other keepsakes. Patients often take photos or videos to remember the day.
Hospitals usually encourage family and friends to be there. The celebration helps build community and lets everyone share in the joy of recovery.
What are the survival rates and prognosis after completing the type of cancer treatment Randy Moss went through?
Bile duct cancer survival rates really depend on when doctors catch it and how you respond to treatment. If you get diagnosed at stage 2, you usually have a better shot than folks who find out later.
Catching it early and being able to remove the tumor surgically can seriously boost your long-term outlook. Some people also go through chemo and radiation, which can work well if you’re a good candidate.
After you finish treatment, doctors will still want to keep an eye on things. Regular checkups help spot any signs of cancer coming back, which honestly just makes sense.
