Jake Reed Opens Up on Cancer Battle and Bond with Former Teammate Randy Moss

A Shocking Diagnosis

In December 2024, former Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed walked to midfield before a game against the Chicago Bears. They carried the jersey of their teammate, Randy Moss, who was fighting bile duct cancer at the time.

Reed did not know it then, but he was also fighting cancer. Doctors had found a spot on his lungs earlier that year during an MRI for shoulder pain. In the summer of 2025, Reed had surgery to remove the mass, which 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."

A Deeper Connection

The 59 year old Reed had no symptoms, and his doctors said the shoulder pain was unrelated. Tests showed the cancer had not spread to his lymph nodes. This shared battle has brought a new meaning to his friendship with Moss, who has finished treatment for Stage 2 bile duct cancer.

Reed is in Minnesota to support a charity raffle hosted by Moss. Moss is donating his custom boat, worth 160,000 dollars, to raise money for the Children's Cancer Research Fund. The boat will be on display outside U.S. Bank Stadium before the Vikings play the Miami Dolphins.

"We have a different connection," Reed said of his bond with Moss, "so we were talking about some of everything."

Reed played for the Vikings from 1991 to 2001, recording 450 catches, 6,999 yards, and 36 touchdowns during his career.