Read Sid's column from 2001, when Randy Moss said 'I play when I want to play'

Editor's note: On every remaining Sunday in 2020, the Star Tribune will republish a memorable Sid Hartman column from the archives. This is an edited version of Sid's column from the Nov. 23, 2001, edition of the Star Tribune after an interview with Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss.

Randy Moss, who caught 10 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns in the Vikings' 28-16 victory over the Giants on Monday night, said playing in prime time when many NFL players are watching had nothing to do with his big contribution to the victory.

"I think that I got more emotional over them retiring Big K's [Korey Stringer's] jersey," Moss said. "Monday night had nothing to do with it. I think if it had been a regular game, retiring his jersey would have been just as emotional."

Moss has been criticized by some media members for not giving 100% all of the time. His veteran teammate, Cris Carter, will tell you there is not a player who goes 100% all of the time.

"I play when I want to play," Moss said. "Do I play up to my top performance, my ability every time? Maybe not. I just keep doing what I do and that is playing football. When I make my mind up, I am going out there to tear somebody's head off. When I go out there and play football, man it's not anybody telling me to play or how I should play. I play when I want to play, case closed."

Moss knows it helps when he goes at full speed.

"With me playing at my highest level, it gives us a better chance to win," he said. "But I think just with me going out there and playing, we have a chance to win. I don't really think my teammates really see the desire and determination to get in the end zone when we play a not-so-good team. Winning is really a team thing.

Asked why he had such a big game against the Giants, Moss said: "It was just really the flow of the game. There were a lot of things we put in just to get me the ball. They got me the ball, so good things happened."

Vikings offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis confirmed the coaching staff put in more plays for Moss against the Giants.

"We had more short plays," Lewis said. "We have run that little flip play to him before, but we usually had one formation to get it to him. This game we had three or four different ways to run the same play. We just tried to get the ball to him more often, even if it is the short pass. We just let him run with it."

Lewis said the Vikings plan to continue to involve Moss more.

"He is a great runner after the catch," Lewis said. "If we can get the ball into Moss' hands, the better the chance of an explosive play happening."

"I am scared of surgery and that is why I say no," Moss said. "I read what Coach [Dennis] Green said about surgery. Hopefully, it won't come to that. Hopefully, it is just sore."

Green told the New York Times on Sunday the problem with Moss' right ankle is chronic and acknowledged that exploratory surgery at season's end was a strong possibility.

Moss said he has more problems with the ankle when he is on the sideline for a long time. "Other than that I feel pretty good," he said.

Ernie Accorsi, the Giants' general manager, paid Moss a real tribute Monday when he said: "He is one of the great receivers in the NFL. We were fortunate to do a good job on him in [last season's] NFC Championship Game. But he is the type of guy who can explode at any time."

The media and others can criticize Moss, but when he plays just his normal game, he can do things no other receiver in the league can do.

"Since this whole contraction stuff has gone on, we've spoken to several of our corporate partners and actually have had a very, very good week with several corporate partners renewing, including Dodge, Great River Energy, Cargill, Treasure Island, Best Buy and Starter," he said. "All agreed to extensions for enhanced dollars."

• Look for the University of Minnesota to announce any day that an NCAA investigation of the wrestling program didn't find any serious violations and that the program won't be penalized. One of coach J Robinson's biggest boosters is men's athletic director Tom Moe, who approves of the way Robinson runs his program.

• Senior receiver Ron Johnson will have to enjoy a big day if the Gophers are to beat Wisconsin on Saturday at the Metrodome. As a freshman, Johnson caught nine passes for 100 yards against the Badgers. The following season, he was limited to one reception for 38 yards. Last season, he had six catches for 111 yards, but four turnovers cost the Gophers.