ESPN 30 for 30 Rand University: TV Info, Randy Moss Documentary Preview

The ESPN Films 30 for 30 documentary series continues Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET with Rand University, which offers a closer look at the maturation of retired NFL receiver Randy Moss.

The six-time Pro Bowler described how the pun in the film's title relates to his life experiences:

Chronicled in Rand University is Moss' emergence from modest roots to his rise to prominence at Marshall before becoming an NFL superstar.

With a blend of size, breathtaking speed and transcendent ball skills, Moss was a rare player in his prime, among the most naturally gifted athletes to ever play the game.

However, his career was anything but a straight, paved path at both the college and professional levels. Below is a look at the TV info for Tuesday's telecast and more of what to expect from the documentary.

Date	Time (ET)	TV
Tuesday, November 11	8 p.m.	ESPN

Preview

As can be ascertained from the video above, Moss excelled in both football and basketball but was meant to take his talents to both Notre Dame and Florida State on the gridiron. However, he pled guilty to two counts of misdemeanor battery and was forced to serve 30 days in jail.

Moss then violated his probation by testing positive for marijuana while finishing out his sentence, resulting in his dismissal from Florida State after one redshirt season. That led to another 60 days spent in jail for violating the terms of his probation (h/t the Pioneer Press).

That all culminated in his arrival at Marshall, where Moss burst onto the scene and did enough to warrant a first-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings at No. 21 overall in 1998. 

Executive producer Bomani Jones made sure to highlight one of the many big plays Moss made with the Thundering Herd:

All of these events can be discovered through a quick scouring of the Internet, but what will be fascinating about Rand University is what Moss endured off the field to arrive as a revelation on it.

In his take on ESPN.com, director Marquis Daisy discusses how Rand, West Virginia, is such a big part of who Moss is and how he's developed into the person he is now:

"

In setting out to make a film on Randy Moss, I wanted to accomplish two things. First, I wanted to really take the viewer into the mind of Moss. He is a very complex and private individual. He has traditionally been hands-off with the media, for a reason. Throughout the course of his career, he has kept a very close-knit circle, and through this film, I wanted to give the audience insight into why this is. Second, I wanted to make the town of Rand, West Virginia, as big of a character as Moss himself. His unparalleled affection for this place that he calls home, despite a turbulent relationship with the state of West Virginia, is captivating and a big part of who he is today.

"

The contrast between Moss' childhood and what he ultimately accomplished on such a grand scale and stage is fascinating. It's part of what Daisy says drew him to the project when he was approached about it.

Moss was on the brink of losing everything after going to jail and fading into obscurity. Often one to give the cold shoulder to the media, this film is a rare glimpse into Moss' personal life and the adversity he overcame to emerge as one of the most polarizing players in NFL history.

All of these interesting developments, not to mention the dynamic, fascinating personality Moss has, promises to make this 30 for 30 entry one to remember.