Randy Moss wasn't bashful Tuesday when asked about his place in football history, declaring himself the greatest receiver to play the game.
"Now that I'm older, I do think I'm the greatest receiver to ever do it," Moss said at Super Bowl media day in New Orleans.
Moss acknowledged that this season with the San Francisco 49ers "has been a down year for me statistically" as was his 2010 season before he retired for a year and his last season with the Oakland Raiders (2006) before his trade to the New England Patriots. He said, however, that he doesn't think statistics should determine greatness.
"I don't really live on numbers, I really live on impact and what you're able to do out on the field," he said Tuesday. "I really think I'm the greatest receiver to ever play this game."
Moss, 35, will be a free agent after this season. ProFootballTalk.com, citing a source familiar with the receiver's thinking, reported Monday that he plans to play at least one more season.
Moss had 28 receptions for 434 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season for the NFC champion 49ers. He has five receptions for 71 yards in San Francisco's two playoff victories.
Moss enjoyed his best season with the Patriots in 2007, when he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and a single-season record 23 touchdowns in helping New England to a 16-0 regular-season record.
He has 982 catches for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns in his 14-season career.
Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, who now is an ESPN NFL analyst, leads the all-time lists in those three categories with 1,549 receptions, 22,895 yards and 197 touchdown receptions.
Probably the most talented but I wouldn't say he's the best to ever play the position. I give the nod to Jerry Rice. Some could make a case for Michael Irvin, Marvin Harrison or Cris Carter.