NFL2 hours ago2 minute read

Vikings Legend Jake Reed Opens Up About Cancer Battle and Bond With Randy Moss

Former Vikings receiver Jake Reed shares how cancer connected him and teammate Randy Moss, who is raising funds for research.

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A Bond Beyond Football

Jake Reed and Randy Moss shared the field as part of the legendary '3 Deep' receiver trio for the Minnesota Vikings. Now, the two former teammates share a much deeper connection. Both men have faced cancer battles, bringing a new meaning to their long friendship.

In December 2024, Reed walked onto the field with Cris Carter to carry Moss's jersey before a game against the Chicago Bears. At the time, Moss was fighting bile duct cancer. Reed did not know it yet, but he also had cancer. Doctors had spotted a spot on his lungs during an MRI to investigate shoulder pain. In the summer of 2025, Reed had surgery to remove it, and the mass tested positive for cancer.

'I remember that night coming out for the coin toss was really emotional,' Reed said. 'I'm holding that jersey and I'm thinking, I've got a spot and, no matter what it is, no growth is a good growth.'

Fighting Back Together

Reed, now 59, did not suffer from any symptoms, and his shoulder pain was unrelated to the cancer. Fortunately, further testing on his lymph nodes revealed the cancer had not spread.

Moss has completed his treatment for Stage 2 bile duct cancer. To help others, Moss is hosting a raffle to raise money for the Children's Cancer Research Fund. He is donating his custom built iKon LXE21 boat, worth $160,000, which he used in his Chasing10 YouTube fishing series. The boat will be on display outside U.S. Bank Stadium before the Vikings play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Reed was a third round pick of the Vikings in 1991 and produced 1,000 yard seasons in four consecutive years alongside Carter from 1994 to 1997. Moss joined them in 1998. Reed retired with 450 catches for 6,999 yards and 36 touchdowns, but his connection with his teammates remains as strong as ever.

What it means for the next game

Here is how our model looks at the upcoming matchups:

Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings (NFL, Sun, 04 Oct): Minnesota Vikings win 77%, Miami Dolphins win 23%; projected score Minnesota Vikings 24, Miami Dolphins 15. Our safest pick: Over 31.5 points.

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): New Orleans Saints win 42%, Minnesota Vikings win 58%; projected score New Orleans Saints 21, Minnesota Vikings 22. Our safest pick: Under 51.5 points.