NFL legend Randy Moss takes health-related extended leave from ESPN

Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss will take an extended leave from his role as an ESPN analyst as he "deals with a health issue," the network said Friday.

Moss, 47, announced Sunday on Instagram that he was "battling something" and urged men to get checkups and bloodwork, but did not provide specifics about a diagnosis or illness.

"I just ask for all the prayer warriors to put their blessing hands on me and my family through these hard times," Moss said in a video posted to his Instagram account. "People were talking about my eyes last week.

"I'm battling something, man, and it's something internal. Your boy is going to get through it. I got a great team of doctors and got a great family around me."

ESPN announced the moss will "step away from Sunday NFL Countdown for an extended time."

"For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating 'Countdown' with his insight and passion," ESPN said.

"He has ESPN's full support, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready."

Moss was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. He joined ESPN in 2016. The former Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver ranks fourth in NFL history with 15,292 receiving yards.

His 156 career receiving scores trail only Jerry Rice.