Randy Moss' Historic Pro Day Retold Through Oral History

Marshall legend's workout left NFL scouts in awe before 1998 draft

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:37pm

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In the spring of 1998, wide receiver Randy Moss took part in a legendary pro day workout at Marshall University that left NFL scouts in awe. Through an oral history, The Athletic recounted the spectacle that day, including Moss' jaw-dropping vertical jump, blazing 40-yard dash times, and impressive on-field drills that had coaches like Mike Ditka and Dave Wannstedt rushing to learn more about the future Hall of Famer.

Why it matters

Moss' pro day performance is considered one of the most memorable in NFL history, showcasing the rare athletic gifts that made him a dominant receiver during his 14-year career. The story provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at how Moss' draft stock soared despite off-field concerns, ultimately leading the Minnesota Vikings to select him with the 21st overall pick in 1998.

The details

On a frigid March day in Huntington, West Virginia, Moss arrived late to his pro day workout due to a problem with his car. But once he got loose, he proceeded to stun the assembled NFL scouts. Moss vertical jumped 44 inches, then 47 inches, without any warm-up. He then ran the 40-yard dash in 4.25 seconds into a strong wind, a time he matched on a second attempt. Moss continued to impress throughout the workout, catching passes from former Marshall QB Eric Kresser.

  • In the spring of 1998, Randy Moss took part in Marshall's pro day workout.
  • Moss missed the NFL Combine earlier that year due to 'some dental problems'.

The players

Randy Moss

A legendary wide receiver who went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NFL after being selected 21st overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1998 draft.

Mark Gale

A former assistant coach at Marshall University.

Jim Abrams

A former scout for the San Francisco 49ers.

Bob Pruett

The former head coach of the Marshall Thundering Herd football team.

Keith Morehouse

A sports anchor who covered Moss' senior year of high school.

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What they’re saying

“I remember Randy had a little problem with his car and came running in a bit after it started. He's wearing a sweatsuit. They'd already started the vertical jump testing. He takes off the sweatpants. He stretches to the right. Stretches to the left. Stretched his back. Then, vertical jumps 44 inches. He'd just walked out of his car. Then, he went to 47 inches.”

— Bob Pruett, Former Marshall Head Coach

“It was like gliding. There was a lot of wind. Like, gale force wind. He was flying with the wind.”

— John Garrett, Former Bengals WR Coach

“He actually ran a 4.2 with swirling winds and no warm-up while wearing a full sweatsuit.”

— Doug Chapman, Former Marshall RB

What’s next

The Vikings selected Randy Moss with the 21st overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, and he went on to a Hall of Fame career, rewriting the record books as one of the most dominant receivers in league history.

The takeaway

Randy Moss' legendary pro day workout at Marshall University in 1998 showcased his rare athletic gifts and helped cement his status as a can't-miss prospect, despite some off-field concerns. The oral history provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at how Moss' jaw-dropping performance that day left NFL scouts in awe and ultimately led to the Vikings selecting him in the first round, a decision that paid off handsomely for the franchise.