Joe Burrow played with Randy Moss’ son in college — and now might be taking a play out of the Hall of Famer’s playbook.
In an interview with Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take,” Burrow implied he could resurrect Moss’ mooning celebration from 2005.
“Randy Moss, fake moon to the crowd,” Burrow said while smiling. “If I get a rushing touchdown this year, I might bring back the fake moon.”
Burrow then added that it would have to be in an away stadium.
Co-host PFT Commenter suggested that the former Heisman winner should unfurl the move against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, to which Burrow responded, “OK,” while nodding.
The original “fake moon” came during a wild-card playoff game on Jan. 9, 2005, between Moss’ Vikings and the rival Packers.
legendary career, but the fake moon may top the list. REUTERS
With Minnesota up 24-17 with 10:25 left in the fourth quarter, quarterback Daunte Culpepper located Moss for a 34-yard touchdown, which effectively iced the road win.
Moss then proceeded to get up, walk to the padding of the goal post and pretend to drop his pants with his backside facing the Lambeau Field crowd.
In 2021, Moss explained his rationale behind the infamous post-touchdown maneuver.
“We go into Lambeau. As we coming in, there’s probably about 10 white asses, sitting there over the hill,” Moss recalled. “They got all their pants down. It’s nothing but white moons, just all lined up. … I said, ‘I need this moment.’ I still haven’t forgot ‘Where you at, Moss?’ [from earlier against Green Bay in the regular season].”
“That is a disgusting act by Randy Moss,” play-by-play man Joe Buck commented on air. “It’s unfortunate that we had that on our air live.”
Over a decade later, though, Buck seemed regretful over his words.
“The more time goes on, the more I think, ‘I can’t believe that even came out of my mouth,’” Buck reflected. “I never live in the, ‘I want it back.’ But when I hear that call, I’m like, ‘Err.’ That was too far. It was not calculated. I think knowing more of the backstory after the fact … I understand it more than I did in that moment.”
Celebration coordination aside, Burrow is still working to ensure he’s at full strength in advance of 2024 after tearing a ligament in his throwing wrist last year.
The quarterback has tallied 10 rushing touchdowns in his career, but only three have come on the road —none in Pittsburgh.
If Burrow is to reignite the discourse surrounding one of Moss’ most memorable moments, it could happen all the way in Week 18, when the Bengals travel to play the Steelers in Acrisure Stadium.
Having the game broadcast on ESPN — with Buck handling the call — would really bring things full circle.
