Randy Moss reveals Jerry Jones apologized for not drafting him to Dallas after his retirement

With the eighth pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys had an opportunity to select a generational talent at wide receiver. But the organization passed on Randy Moss and instead picked defensive end Greg Ellis.

Years later, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones actually apologized to Moss. It’s not something the talented former NFL receiver expected to ever hear, but he was grateful for the kind words.

“The crazy part about it is them kicking the tires one time was – Jerry basically summed it up for me, Rich,” Moss said on the Rich Eisen Show. “He came and give me a big hug one day during a preseason game when I was working for ESPN. He just apologized. It really felt good to hear that coming from Jerry because of how many emotions I had on draft day. …

“I respect the Cowboys and I respect the organization.”

Moss was selected 13 picks later at No. 21 by the Minnesota Vikings. He spent a good chunk of his NFL career in the Twin Cities, suiting up for the Vikings from 1998-2004. The receiver also played for the Oakland Raiders (2005-06), New England Patriots (2007-10) and had brief stops with the Tennessee Titans (2010) and San Francisco 49ers (2012).

Jones told Moss that Ellis was the “safer pick” at the time.

Over the course of his career, Moss was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and led the NFL in receiving touchdowns five times. He also owned records for most touchdown catches in a season (23) and most touchdown receptions for a rookie (17).

Moss ended his professional career with 982 catches for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns.

Moss told Eisen that the apology from Jones was certainly a surprise.

“I was definitely surprised by him. That man is worth so many billions of dollars, he didn’t have to do that,” Moss said. “It just meant a lot because I had everything tied into draft day about me being a Dallas Cowboy. It put everything in perspective for me.”

Moss also revealed that he expected to be selected by the Cowboys during the draft. When he didn’t get selected, he felt bitter towards the organization. That’s certainly understandable.

Although he never won a Super Bowl ring, Moss still remains one of the greatest wide receivers ever to play the game. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as the Minnesota Vikings’ Ring of Honor.