The football world has been praying for Randy Moss following his announcement that he has cancer. Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen also showed his support, and in a unique way, just before Carolina was set to host the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium.
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Thielen was spotted wearing a vintage Moss jersey from his days in Minnesota. It had the #84 number prominently displayed on the front, a number that Moss used to wear as a Viking. And unsurprisingly, Thielen received immense praise for the gesture from fans.
Panthers WR Adam Thielen showed up today showing love to Randy Moss.
@Panthers pic.twitter.com/mqjCrVrgA0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2024
On Friday, Moss announced that the doctors had found a cancerous mass in his bile duct. He has already undergone a serious surgery that lasted six hours, and for the time being, he is struggling to walk without a cane.
As a result, Thielen’s small gesture has been meaningful among fans, described by some as a “class act.” That said, it’s also possible that he has ties to Moss from back in his days with the Vikings.
That’s awesome! Class act!
— CEO Branding Expert (@Ceo_Branding) December 15, 2024
Thielen a real one for that
— Tyrone b. (@Tyroneb74409823) December 15, 2024
This is so awesome man
— Football Analysis (@FBallAnalysisYT) December 15, 2024
One fan surprisingly shared a picture of Thielen as a kid, wearing Moss’s #84 jersey.
Adam as a kid! pic.twitter.com/7xPo6NVFYL
— SportsVikingBro (@SportsVikingBro) December 15, 2024
It was quite wholesome for everyone to come together and appreciate Moss and Thielen. The diagnosis seemingly came out of nowhere and was a shock to the football world. We are all wishing Randy a healthy recovery.
Can Thielen’s tribute spur a win?
While it may come as a shock to many, the Carolina Panthers are favored to beat the Dallas Cowboys at home today. It’s the first time in 34 games that they have been favored against an opponent. Some Panthers fans think that Thielen and his Moss tribute are a good sign that he’s locked in and set to have a huge day in honor of Randy Moss. It just might be the case.
Underdogs no more: For the first time in 34 games in a stretch that spans of nearly two years, the Carolina Panthers finally are favored to win a game today when they play the Dallas Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/2gpkWtSPkh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2024
Thielen has been on the same page with Bryce Young since returning from injury. Following an eight-reception game where he recorded 99 yards and a touchdown, last week he ended with nine catches for 102 yards and a touchdown that was never counted. It’s almost as though Thielen has been tapping into his Moss-like skills lately.
We’ll see come game-time if the Panthers are up for the challenge. But for now, a nice heartfelt tribute is a good start to the day for Thielen and Carolina.
