Former Minnesota Vikings players honor former Viking Randy Moss prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ((Photo by David Berding/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 30-12 on Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium, and there was a powerful moment as the two teams met for the opening coin toss.
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Kevin O'Connell reacts to 30-12 win over Bears
The Minnesota Vikings honored Randy Moss on Monday Night Football, then beat the Chicago Bears 30-12 to win their 7th straight game and improve to 12-2 on the season.
Former Vikings’ receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed were honorary captains for the game. They walked to midfield holding up a Randy Moss No. 84 Vikings’ jersey. Moss revealed late last week he’s battling cancer and had a six-day hospital stay involving surgery.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game the team wanted to use the platform of a nationally-televised game to give their full support to Moss.
"It was important. We talked internally this week about what we could do to show our support, our love for Randy. You could feel the love for him in this building tonight," O'Connell said. "It was great to have CC and Jake Reed here to carry his jersey out there, it was a heck of a moment. He means the world to this organization. We’re behind him every step of the way, we just wanted to do whatever we could with the platform of Monday Night Football. If it gave him any joy at all, it was well worth it."
Justin Jefferson caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold in the first quarter to give the Vikings a 10-0 lead over the Bears. Part of his celebration was forming a heart with his hands and saying to the camera, "We love you Randy! That was for you!"
Moss reacted on social media, saying "LUV U ALL! #letsmosscancer"
Jefferson told reporters after the game he's been texting with Moss, giving him his full support. He wanted to get in the end zone Monday night to give him a shout-out. He sported a vintage Moss No. 84 jersey in the locker room.
"Every game it’s a plan to get in the end zone. But I definitely wanted to give a tribute to him on one of my touchdowns. It was great to have it done in the first quarter. Definitely gotta show that love to him, grateful for what he has done for this game and what he has done for me as a kid," Jefferson said. "Being a fan of him, always got to show love for him."
What we know
Moss was diagnosed with cancer near the bile duct between his pancreas and liver. He underwent a Whipple procedure and will continue chemotherapy and radiation.
Why it matters
Carter was a teammate of Moss for his rookie season, and the two played together for four seasons in Minnesota. Reed and Moss were teammates for three seasons.
Moss had to step away from his duties as an NFL analyst for ESPN to address his health issues. Moss is just 47 years old.
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Sam Darnold reacts after Vikings beat Bears 30-12
Vikings QB Sam Darnold speaks with reporters after a 30-12 win over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football to improve to 12-2 on the season.
Vikings beat Bears 30-12, win 7th straight
As for the game, the Vikings beat the Bears 30-12 to win their seventh straight and improve to 12-2 on the season. Jefferson had seven catches for 73 yards and a score. The defense forced a turnover on downs twice, Jonathan Greenard got a sack fumble that Blake Cashman recovered and the key drive came in the third quarter. With the Vikings’ offense struggling to find a rhythm, Aaron Jones capped a 12-play, 70-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown to give Minnesota a 20-3 lead.
Cam Akers put the icing on the win with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Vikings a 27-6 lead with 10:14 to play. Minnesota also got three field goals from rookie kicker Will Reichard.
What’s next
The Vikings head to the West Coast and face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday afternoon. They control their own destiny to win the NFC North with three regular season games left.