MINNEAPOLIS, Minn — Kanawha Valley native Randy Moss learned Saturday night in the city where he made a lasting impression on the NFL that he had been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
He's in!
See you in Canton, @randymoss! #PFHOF18 pic.twitter.com/3is5FLs4WN
— NFL (@NFL) February 4, 2018
Moss joins former linebackers Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher as first ballot selections in the 2018 class. Also chosen were standout receiver Terrell Owens, safety Brian Dawkins, former Redskins GM Bobby Beathard and senior nominees Jerry Kramer and Robert Brazile.
Former Vikings coach the late Dennis Green took a chance on Moss whose stock was dropping on draft day and he never regretted it. The Rand native and Marshall standout hauled in 17 touchdown grabs his rookie season and helped get the Vikings a game away from the Super Bowl.
Grab a tissue.
Here’s how @RandyMoss reacted when he found out he was headed to Canton. (via @ProFootballHOF) pic.twitter.com/cZzpis0D75
— ESPN (@espn) February 4, 2018
The 6-5 long-striding Moss regularly ran past NFL cornerbacks. Later in his career with New England he set the NFL record with 23 TD catches. He finished his career just 18 receptions short of 1,000, had more than 15,000 yards in receptions and is second best in TD receptions all-time at 156.
Moss was a multisport star at DuPont High School.
Congratulations to one of the greatest to ever play the game. The @HerdFB family couldn’t be more proud of @RandyMoss as he is heading to Canton. Always protecting The M. pic.twitter.com/RAeHVXb9Vu
— John Doc Holliday (@DocHollidayFB) February 3, 2018
Moss and other members of the class will be inducted in Canton this summer.