BRISTOL, Conn. – NFL Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Viking Randy Moss will take an extended leave of absence from ESPN due to a serious health issue.

ESPN announced Friday that Moss will be stepping away from his role on “NFL Sunday Morning Countdown” for an extended period of time “to focus on a personal health challenge.”

The sports television network did not specify what type of illness Moss is dealing with.

“For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team and has continued to enrich ‘Countdown’ with his insight and passion,” ESPN said in a statement. “He has ESPN’s full support and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.”

Moss made his health issues public on Sunday, December 1, by posting on Instagram and making an announcement on the popular NFL pre-game show. He was wearing sunglasses and some viewers had commented the week before about the yellow tint to Moss’ eyes.

“I just ask all prayer warriors to extend their blessing hands to me and my family during these difficult times. Last week people were talking about my eyes,” Moss told viewers before donning a pair of sunglasses. “I’m fighting something, man, and it’s something internal. Your boy will get through this. I have a great medical team and family around me.”

Moss, 47, also urged men to get health checks and blood tests.

Moss spent seven seasons with the Vikings before moving to the Oakland Raiders in 2005. He spent a few years in New England before returning to Minnesota for a brief stay in 2010, but played in just four games before heading to Tennessee. He finished his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers.

The immensely talented but enigmatic wideout played 113 games for Minnesota and is second in franchise history in passing yards (9,316) and touchdowns (92). He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and has been an analyst for ESPN since 2016.