Randy Moss had a legendary NFL career. The man averaged 19 yard per catch his rookie year, had over 1,200 receiving yards 8 times, set the single season TD reception record (23), and had 153 TDs in his career. He is clearly one of the greatest wide receivers of all time—probably #2, in fact, behind only Jerry Rice. Of course, Randy Moss has also been a three-ring circus these past 13 NFL seasons, which has been fantastic for newspaper reporters but decidedly less so for the teams that have had to put up with him. In honor of his retirement on Monday, let’s have a look at the 9 most memorable Moss moments, shall we?

9. Improbable Draft Slide

Moss was a considered one of the best high school football players ever by many college recruiters and NFL scouts. He was all set to attend Notre Dame back in 1995 when he got into a fight at his high school that left one person in the hospital. Notre Dame subsequently denied his enrollment application, so he ended up at Florida State as a red-shirt in 1995 before transferring to NCAA Division I-AA Marshal University in 1996. He had a stellar career at Marshall and was a finalist for the Heisman in 1997; however, his legal troubles hung around his neck like a concrete block. He should have been a top-10 pick in the 1998 draft, but teams were wary to take on such a “troubled” young man. The Dallas Cowboys in particular were really keen on selecting Moss with their #8 pick, but shied away because they’d already had plenty of headaches caused by legally challenged wide receivers (see Irvin, Michael). Finally, Minnesota picked Moss at #21—you may recall that in 1998, legendary NFL bust Ryan Leaf went #2.

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8. First NFL Game

Before the draft in ’98, Moss prophesied that other teams “will regret [passing on me] once they see what kind of player I am.” And he didn’t waste time making good on this prophecy. In his first ever NFL game, a 31-7 rout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Moss caught 4 passes for 95 yards and 2 TDs. And that first touchdown was one to remember—a 48 yard highlight reel grab over DB Floyd Johnson.

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7. First Appearance on Monday Night Football

Moss’s reputation only continued to grow during his rookie season. On his first appearance on Monday Night Football in Week 5 in 1998, Randy lit up the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau for a whopping 190 yards on only 5 receptions. That included TD catches of 52 and 44 yards, but excluded a 75 yard TD on the first possession of the game that was called back as the result of a holding call against the Vikings. Needless to say, by the end of Week 5, every NFL fan was paying attention to Randy Moss.

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6. Insane End Zone Grab Against Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, 2000

The Vikings drafted Daunte Culpepper in 1999 with the hope that his strong arm would be a perfect fit Randy Moss’s ability to run deep routes. And, indeed, it was a match made in heaven. Moss and Culpepper connected for 1,437 yards and 15 TDs that season. The most spectacular of these TDs came on Thanksgiving Day against the Cowboys. In the 2nd half, Moss caught a long pass leaning out of the end zone with his toes just barely staying in bounds. It would of course become one of the most memorable plays of his career.

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5. The Traffic Incident

It wasn’t long before Randy rustled up some more legal troubles for himself. On a September day in 2002, a traffic cop noticed Moss was preparing to make an illegal u-turn in downtown Minneapolis. She stepped in front of his Lexus and ordered him to stop. He didn’t comply with her orders, and somehow—eyewitnesses have told conflicting stories—the women ended up on the ground. He was arrested on the spot, and later plead guilty to a misdemeanor traffic violation. Moss, the classy guy that he is, refused to apologize to the cop because, according to him, he “didn’t do nothing to apologize for.” Well said, Randy.

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4. The Mooning Incident

In his last season with the Vikings, Moss really let himself go. On the final game of the season he walked off the field before the game was even over, when the Vikings were attempting an on-sides kicks, because he didn’t think they would be able to recover the ball. That vote of confidence was a classy move, for sure, but it was overshadowed by what he did only 1 week later, on January 9, 2005. The Vikings were in Green Bay for a playoff game against the Packers. After scoring a TD against the heavily favored packers, Moss trotted to the back of the end zone and pretended to moon the fans. Announcer Joe Buck, and presumably several hundred thousand football fans across the country, were outraged. But that wasn’t even the best part. After the NFL decided to fine Moss $10,000 for the incident, reporters caught up with him and asked for a response. He gave this all-time classic:

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3. Record-Breaking 2007 Season with New England Patriots

Okay, this video clip really is too long. But it had to be included here, because it shows every single one of the record-breaking 23 TD passes caught by Randy Moss in his 2007 season with the New England Patriots. Of course, the 23 TDs wasn’t the only historic thing about that 2007 season for the Patriots. The team went 16-0 in the regular season before losing to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. Also historic, Randy Moss voluntarily gave up $5 million just so he could fit under New England’s salary cap and play with the Pats.

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2. Breaks Up with Patriots, then Begs Them to Take Him Back

Of course, Randy Moss’s romance with the Patriots did not last. He broke up with them midway through the 2010 season, complaining about how he wasn’t appreciated, and how people in New England didn’t want him to succeed. So the Pats traded him to the Vikings in October, after a Week 4 game against the Dolphins. But after a loss against his former team on October 31, Moss apologized to the Patriots for all the nasty things he said and begged them to take him back. Check out the video:

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1. Cut by Vikings

Randy Moss’s career didn’t officially end when he was cut by the Minnesota Vikings only 1 day after professing his undying devotion to the New England Patriots; however, that certainly was the unofficial end. And it was a sad one, too, given that Moss was one of the most gifted athletes ever to play the game. It’s also kind of sad because it’s likely that Moss knew he would soon be cut and was sucking up to the Pats on October 31st because he was hoping they’d have pity on him and take him back. Buy hey, let’s just remember the good times, alright?

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Twelve games later, the Kingsburg Vikings found themselves playing for the California D-III Championship against Porterville High School, but with their team trailing 21-20 with only 2:08 remaining and facing a 4 & 10 from their own 19-yard line, they were looking for a little deja-vu.

Needless to say, they got just that:  A Garrett Steele mad scramble; a bomb to Tyler Abernathy; an 81-yard touchdown; the title as California D-III Champions.

Here is how it all unfolded.

Hat Tip – [Deadspin]

What a great idea only if the so called Whizzinator was legal to buy and sell the device.  For only $150 how could you go wrong not to invest in this product if you know your going to get in trouble by your employer.  Wouldn’t you invest the money to save yourself and your job???????

The Creators of the ‘Whizzinator‘ now face up to 8 years in prison.  If any of you don’t remember the Whizzinator, it was a urine cleansing gizmo that helped past NFL players and one time Minnesota Vikings running back “Onterrio Smith” cheat and pass on drug tests. Onterrio Smith in 2005 was caught with the Whizzinator and many dried urine pouches at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  He was then suspended by the NFL for the year and then released by the Vikings soon after.

The creators of the ‘Whizzinator’, Robert Catalano and George Wills who owned online-based Puck Technology face charges for conspiring to defraud the federal agency that administers workplace drug testing programs.  The 2 men are scheduled to be sentenced in Febuary of 2009 and face up to 8 years in prision and a $500,000 fine.

Bryon Leftwich stepped in for Big Ben on Monday night and led the Steelers to an impressive victory. Ryan Fitzpatrick helped the Bengals get their first win, and Even Rex Grossman a hand in his team beating the Lions.

It is only fitting that this week our Offensive player of the week is Gus Frerotte, who started the year on the bench. Our offensive rookie of the week is Joe Flacco, who was supposed to backup Troy Smith this season but that all changed when Smith was fell ill during the preseason and the rest is history.

Here is the complete list of the best Fantasy Football Players Of Week 9.

Best Offensive Player – Gus Frerotte, QB, Minnesota Vikings.
No, this is not a typo; Gus Frerotte is the offensive player of the week, in our opinion. Call it a slow week for Fantasy Football but, Grampa Gus had himself a dandy of a game. Frerotte completed 11 out of 18 passes and had 3 touchdowns. The Vikings seem to be in much better shape now the Frerotte is the starter and Jackson is nailed to the bench.

Honorable mention: Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants.

Best Offensive Rookie – Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens.
Flaccos appearance on this list has been long over due and this past Sunday he put together a fine game. He completed 17 passes for 248 yards adding 2 touchdowns. Flacco Looks to have all the tools necessary to be a franchise quarter back in the NFL. The Ravens managed to win a Superbowl with Trent Dilfer, so the sky is the limit for Flacco.

Honorable mention: Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons.

Best Defensive Player – John Abraham, DE, Atlanta Falcons.
The new look Falcons have benefited a great deal from the stellar play of John Abraham, who continues to torment opposing quarter backs. This past week he managed to take down Russell 3 times, which gives him 10 sacks this season. Abraham is putting together a solid year and could be in the running for defensive MVP.

Honorable mention: Justin Tuck, DE, New York Giants.

Best Defensive Rookie – Brandon Carr, DB, Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs came close to upsetting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday and rookie Brandon Carr, had the best game of his young career. The Grand Valley State product made 4 tackles and 1 interception to keep the Chiefs in the game. The Chiefs seem to have found a solid pair of corners in this years draft as Brandon Flowers has also had some big games this season.

Honorable mention: Pat Sims, DB, Chicago Bears.

Remember to check back next week for the best Fantasy Football Players of week 10.

The biggest surprise of the week had to be the New Orleans Saints defense holding super stud Adrian Peterson to just 32 yards, and still losing the game.  Well that is what makes fantasy football so interesting. 

So once again, here are the best fantasy football players of week 5.

Best Offensive Player - Aaron Rogers, QB, Green Bay Packers
Despite an injured shoulder Brett Favre’s replacement had another solid game, completing 25 passes for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns.  The big negative for Rogers and the Packers was that they lost at home to a team that they should have beat.   The fact that he was a game time decision also meant that many fantasy mangers might have had this guy on the bench for this game.

Honorable mention: Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants.

Best Offensive Rookie - Steve Slaton, RB, Houston Texans
Rookie runner Steve Slaton from West Virginia is looking like one of the biggest steals of draft. Slaton had 16 carries for 93 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 5.  It seem like every week a different rookie running back is putting up big numbers, which suggests  that this could be one of the best draft classes to come along in years. 

Honorable mention: Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys.

Best Defensive Player – Antoine Winfield, DB, Minnesota Vikings.
Winfield was a big reason for the Vikings victory against the Saints on Monday night, so was Ed Hochuli, but that is another story.  He had 8 total tackles 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 1 touchdown.  Winfield has always been known as one of the best cornerbacks in the league and he is on pace to have a terrific season.

Honorable mention: LaMarr Woodley, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers.

Best Defensive Rookie -  Keith Rivers, LB, Cincinnati Bengals.
Yet another slow week for the NFL’s defensive rookie means rookie LB Keith Rivers earns the award this week.  In his best game as a pro Rivers accumulated 2 tackles, 1interception and 1 forced fumble, in a losing cause.  Rives was a first round selection by the Bengals and is from the University of Southern California, it’s a good thing that his team had a lot of victories in College.

Honorable mention: Marcus Harrison, DT, Chicago Bears.

Remember to check back next week for the best fantasy football players of week 6.

Oddsmakers currently have the Saints listed as 3-point favorites versus the Vikings, while the game’s total is sitting at 46½.

The Vikings lost to Tennessee 30-17 as a 3-point underdog in Week 4. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (36).

Gus Frerotte passed for 266 yards with an interception for Minnesota, while Adrian Peterson rushed for 80 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns.

The Saints defeated San Francisco 31-17 as a 7-point favorite in Week 4. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (48.5).

Drew Brees passed for 363 yards with three touchdowns and an interception for New Orleans, while Lance Moore caught seven passes for 101 yards with two touchdowns in the win.


 

Team records:
Minnesota: 1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS
New Orleans: 2-2 SU, 3-1 ATS

Minnesota most recently:
When playing in October are 4-6
When playing on turf are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 5-5

New Orleans most recently:
When playing in October are 5-5
When playing on turf are 7-3
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing New Orleans
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota’s last 8 games when playing New Orleans
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New Orleans’s last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans’s last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans’s last 8 games when playing Minnesota
New Orleans is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

Next up:
Minnesota home to Detroit, Sunday, October 12
New Orleans home to Oakland, Sunday, October 12

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With the fantasy football season almost upon us it is time to start looking at the players who are making the most noise in fantasy land. The first player I would like to focus on is Darren McFadden aka Run DMC.

One of the major factors which will limit the success of McFadden is his o-line in Oakland. Compared to the Vikings O-line McFadden could find running behind the likes of Robert gallery a lot more difficult. Prior to Peterson getting drafted the Vikings signed all pro left guard Steve Hutchinson along with all pro full back Tony Richardson which gave Peterson a lot of running room. Needless to say Peterson made a lot of room for himself by making some of the NFL’s best defenders look slow, (Chargers at Vikings Week 9)

Another important factor to consider is division match ups. McFadden will play out his rookie year in a very competitive AFC west, which the Chargers have owned over the last couple years. While Peterson plays in the NFC north which is wide open this year with the “retirement” of Brett Favre. Not to mention returning starter Justin Fargas is coming off a career year and should steal away some of his touches.

When draft times comes around in your league don’t pick McFadden too high and expect similar numbers to Petersons last year, because it won’t happen. McFadden should have a solid year possibly gaining around 1000 rushing yards and 5-8 touchdowns. Peterson dominated the NFL by almost winning the rushing title and running away with rookie of the year honors. In seasonal leagues McFadden should be a middle round selection. In keeper or dynasty formats he should go a lot earlier than that.

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