Former wide receiver Santana Moss is joining the Commanders’ Ring of Fame at Northwest Stadium. The team surprised him with the announcement on Sunday morning during a live broadcast from training camp.
The ceremony will occur during the Commanders’ season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 7.
“I can’t even describe it. It’s a feeling like no other,” Moss said. “I haven’t had this much emotion build up in me in a long time.”
Former Commanders’ punt returner Brian Mitchell broke the news while the pair hosted the team’s “Commander Center” digital show live from training camp.
“I was always a big fan of [Moss.] And as I watched him play and I hang out with him, I see why. The dude is about his business and you always do a great job,” Mitchell told a blindsided Moss. “You’re coming up in the rafters.”
In 10 seasons with the Commanders — then known as the Redskins — Moss recorded 581 catches for 7867 yards with 47 touchdowns. He became a legend in Washington for clutch performances against division rivals, including a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to beat the Dallas Cowboys in 2005 and a three-touchdown performance against the New York Giants later in the season.
Moss retired in 2014, ranking fourth in franchise history in receiving yards.
Undersized for the receiver position, the Miami product defied expectations throughout his career. He fondly remembers being a walk-on in college and facing doubters in the NFL.
Now he’s joining Hall of Famers like Art Monk and Joe Gibbs in the Ring of Fame and reflecting on an unexpected career.
“My last year stands out more. I wasn’t sure how to say bye,” Moss said. “I just remember being happy.”
Since retiring, Moss has remained with the team as an analyst, commentator and broadcaster. He’s the latest former player to be honored by new owner Josh Harris.
Earlier this month, the team announced plans to retire former wide receiver Monk’s No. 81 jersey. Last year, they bestowed the same honor on Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green. It’s all an effort to bring back the alumni who distanced themselves from the organization under former owner Dan Snyder.
“I can’t speak enough about how much they’ve done and how great of a job they’ve been doing thus far,” Moss said.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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