Editor’s note: In honor of Randy Moss’ decision to retire, WEEI is re-running this list of Moss’ most memorable moments with the Patriots. The list originally ran last fall, after Moss was traded to the Vikings.

The Patriots acquired wide receiver Randy Moss in 2007 via a trade with the Raiders in exchange for a fourth-round selection in that year’s NFL draft. “It’s something that you dream of,” Moss said, in his first interview as a Patriot, “knowing that the New England Patriots sit high on a lot of people’s charts and as a wide receiver to come in and play with the core guys, with Tom Brady and Kevin Faulk and the offensive line.”

Moss is now on his way to a different group of core guys out in Minnesota, including Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson, as the Patriots have finalized a trade to send Moss to the Vikings for a reported third-round pick in the 2011 draft. As a parting gift, we give you the top 10 most memorable moments in Moss’ career as a Patriot.

10. Sept. 19, 2010: Moss escapes Revis Island

Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis is known for making star wide receivers “disappear” in games. In 2009 that included Moss, who was held to a total of nine catches, 58 yards and one touchdown in two regular-season matchups. But in this season’s Week 2 battle Moss was able to one-up his rival with a one-handed, 34-yard touchdown catch — his first of the season and 150th of his career.

9. Jan. 12, 2008: Moss shares his wardrobe preferences

Moss is never one to be lacking in style and flair on the football field, but that doesn’t always translate to his wardrobe. During a press conference after a playoff win against Jacksonville, Moss tried to explain exactly how he chooses his outfits for game day.

8. Jan. 31, 2008: Moss bashes Arizona’s hosting of Super Bowl XLII

During a radio interview on one of Super Bowl XLII’s media days, Moss made comments regarding his disappointment with the way Glendale, Ariz., was hosting and running its Super Bowl experience. Moss said he wished “the Super Bowl could have been in Miami or somewhere like that,” and that he was “ready to go home.”

7. Nov. 13, 2008: Moss forces OT against the Jets

The Patriots were trailing the Jets, 31-24, and facing a fourth down with seconds left on the clock. Matt Cassel sidestepped the rush and rolled right, firing the ball to Moss, who was boxing out Ty Law along the right pylon. Moss caught the ball as he was falling out of bounds but was able to keep his feet in for the touchdown.

6. Dec. 11, 2009: Moss and three other Patriots sent home for being late

Moss and three of his teammates — Derrick Burgess, Adalius Thomas and Gary Guyton — were sent home from Gillette Stadium after arriving late to an 8 a.m. Wednesday meeting. The players apparently blamed their delay on winter weather conditions. However, Brady arrived on time despite the birth of his son the night before. All four tardy players were absent from that Wednesday afternoon’s practice.

5. Dec. 28, 2009: Moss jokes around with his lookalike fan

After Moss scored his third touchdown of the game against the Jaguars, the stadium scoreboard showed a celebrating fan who was wearing a Moss ‘fro mask. Moss noticed and playfully responded by mimicking the fans (and his own) celebration moves. The action starts around the 2:12 mark in the video.

4. Dec. 12, 2009: Panthers say Moss “shut it down”

Last season, after a game in which Moss had a single, 16-yard catch that ended with a fumble, and an intended pass from Brady that was intercepted, Panthers defensive backs Chris Gamble and Chris Harris accused Moss of quitting on his team.

“We knew he was going to shut it down,” Gamble told The Boston Globe after the game. “That’s what we wanted to do him. That’s what we did. … He’d just give up a lot. … Slow down, he’s not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell, his body language.”

This was not the first time Moss had been accused of not playing his best. The same was said at times in Minnesota and Oakland.

3. Jan. 16, 2008: Moss denies domestic abuse allegations

Just days before the Patriots were scheduled to play the Chargers in the AFC championship game, Rachelle Washington filed a temporary order of protection against Moss. Moss was accused of committing a “battery upon [Washington] causing serious injury,” and allegedly “refused to allow [her] to seek medical treatment.” Moss told reporters that he did not hurt this woman, and that she was trying to extort money from him. No criminal charges were filed against Moss.

2. Dec. 29, 2007: Brady to Moss for the record

In the 2007 regular-season finale against the Giants, the Patriots were trailing, 28-23. Brady had just missed on a deep pass to Moss down the right sideline, which set up a third-and-10 at the New England 35. On the next play, Brady made the same call and delivered a 65-yard pass to Moss down the sideline. Moss made the grab and raced past Giants safety James Butler for the touchdown. This became Brady’s 50th TD pass in 2007, setting the NFL single-season record. Of those 50 TD passes, 23 were connections with Moss.

1. Sept. 12, 2010: Moss rants to media

At the postgame press conference following the Patriots’ 2010 season-opening victory over the Bengals, Moss decided to use his time to offer some words on his contract situation, and the way he was feeling “unhappy” and “unwanted” in New England.

One Comments for “LEEInks List: Randy Moss’ most memorable moments with Patriots”

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