New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick congratulates wide receiver Randy Moss (81) after his second touchdown catch in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson) ORG XMIT: FBO125
Bill Belichick Surprised Randy Moss At His Hall Of Fame Induction
If Bill Belichick leaves Foxborough during training camp, you better believe it’s for a good reason.
The occasion on Saturday night was the Hall Of Fame induction for one of the greatest receivers in NFL history. I’d say he’s the greatest, but that’s another argument for another time.
Randy Moss was a superstar long before he arrived in New England. When he became a Patriot in 2007 at the age of 30, he had the chance to play with a superstar quarterback for the first time in his career. The result was an NFL record 23 touchdowns as the Pats nearly went undefeated.
In the two years prior to that season, Moss had faded into mediocrity as a member of the Oakland Raiders. Belichick still saw potential, and stole him for a fourth-round pick. After working with him for three years, Bill’s appreciation for Randy was amplified. He once called him the “smartest receiver” he’s ever coached.
When he decided to surprise the new Hall of Famer by making an appearance at his induction ceremony, that appreciation was reciprocated:
A friend, a teacher, a coach. @RandyMoss thanks Bill Belichick.
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— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 5, 2018
Despite not bringing home the Lombardi trophy, which he apologized for in his speech, Randy Moss will not be forgotten by Pats fans. We may never see such a dominant receiver again.
Follow Jack Bardsley on Twitter @BostonsBigFour