Randy Moss Reunites With the Minnesota Vikings: Top 10 Best Homecomings

Between the time Randy Moss was drafted by the Vikings in 1998 and was traded in 2005, Moss was unstoppable. 574 receptions. 9,142 yards. 90 touchdowns.

Now after being dealt from the Patriots for a third round pick, Moss will reunite with the team that drafted him. That got me thinking: what other players have returned to their teams after a prolonged exodus?

10. Scottie Pippen

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ATLANTA - JANUARY 21: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over Shareef Abdur-Rahim #3 and Theo Ratliff #42 of the Atlanta Hawks January 21, 2004 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

For 11 seasons, Pippen was a vital asset on six championship winning teams. After Michael Jordan retired, Pippen move on to play a year in Portland and four more in Houston.

But Pippen’s final career stop? A 23-game stint in Chicago where his career began. Even at 38-years-old, Pippen averaged 11.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.

9. Joe Gibbs

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SEATTLE - JANUARY 05: Head coach Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins looks on from the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter during the NFC Wild Card game at Qwest Field on January 5, 2008 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jed Jaco

From 1981 to 1992, Joe Gibbs thrived as the head coach of the Washington Redskins. In only his second season, Gibbs led his team to a 27-17 Super Bowl victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Five years later, Redskins nation rejoiced again with a 42-10 win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XXII.

When Gibbs retired in 1992, he was immediately dubbed a legend and was inducted into the hall of fame in 1996. Following his retirement, many teams approached Gibbs and offered him their head coaching job.

The answer was consistently no until 2004 when Gibbs accepted an offer to return to Washington. Unfortunately, the results were far different the second time around. Gibbs went 30-34 over four seasons before retiring again in 2008.

8. Allen Iverson

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CHICAGO - FEBRUARY 20: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers moves against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 122-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees tha

For over a decade, Allen Iverson defined 76ers basketball. By winning rookie of the year, MVP, and leading his team to an NBA finals appearance, he reached near-god status.

A.I. was always a handful, but his on-court production always counter-balanced his lack of commitment (his practice rant comes to mind). In 2006, the Sixers brass decided they had had enough of Iverson’s shenanigans and dealt the 6' point guard to Denver in exchange for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first-round picks.

Despite four scoring titles, the dynamic and diminutive Iverson had been cast away. Four years and two teams later, Iverson made his tearful return to Philadelphia. After being released by Memphis, Iverson re-signed with the team that drafted him first overall in 1996.

Although his results were far from impressive (14 points, three rebounds and four assists per game), it was gratifying to see Iverson retire as a Sixer.

7. Oakland Raiders

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13 Nov 1994: Running back Harvey William of the Los Angeles Raiders runs down the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Raiders won the game 20-17.

Just how old is Al “the Crypt keeper” Davis? Well, when the Raiders moved from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982, Davis had already been involved with the organization for twenty years. 

Despite a 22-0 owners vote to keep the Raiders in Oakland, Al successfully uprooted the franchise. In thirteen years as the L.A. Raiders, the team thrived, compiling a 118-82 record.

The team is back in Oakland now, but I’m not sure L.A. fans have noticed the move.

6. Jason Kidd

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22 Dec 1995: Point guard Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks stands on the court during a break in the action of the Mavericks 90-79 loss to the Indiana Pacers at Market Square Arena in Indianapois, Indiana. Mandatory Credit: Allsport USA/Allsport

When Jason Kidd was drafted out of California in 1994, the Mavericks thought they had their core of the future. The three J’s (Jamal Mashburn, Jim Jackson and Jason Kidd) were assembled to resurrect a struggling Dallas team.

This experiment was short lived, and Kidd was dealt to Phoenix midway through his third season. Over a decade later, Kidd reunited with the team who drafted him, when New Jersey dealt the versatile point guard for a package centered around Devin Harris.

How much did J-Kidd change in the ten years between appearances? When Kidd was traded, he was averaging 9.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists. His numbers last year? An almost identical 10.3, 5.6 and 9.1.

5. Ken Griffey Jr.

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SEATTLE - MAY 31: Ken Griffey Jr. #24 of the Seattle Mariners bats against the Minnesota Twins at Safeco Field on May 31, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Growing up, I idolized Griffey. His smooth swing. His effortless home run trot. His penchant for the highlight reel catch. That’s what made Griffey’s exodus to Cincinnati so difficult to watch.

After 11 seasons with the Mariners where “The Kid” slugged 398 home runs, Griffey didn’t look right with the Reds. Following seven disappointing years with the Reds and a season with the White Sox, Griffey returned to his loyal fans in Seattle.

Although Griffey was older and struggled to produce, the sight of my childhood hero back in navy and green was a heartwarming piece of nostalgia.

4. Mark Messier

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WASHINGTON - MARCH 18: Center Mark Messier #11 of the New York Rangers advances the puck during the game against the Washington Capitals at the MCI Center on March 18, 2004 in Washington, DC. The Capitals defeated the Rangers 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by M

Messier’s NHL career certainly was in interesting one. His 25-year career began with the Edmonton Oilers before moving on to the Big Apple.

In six seasons as a Ranger, Messier scored 411 points while leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 1994. Messier moved on to Vancouver for four seasons, before returning back to the city that worshipped him.

3. Randy Moss

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 28: Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown in the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 28, 2004 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeate

Randy Moss was always an enigma. Despite being the most talented receiver in the 1998 draft, Moss slipped to number 21 overall due to character concerns.

Any concerns about the 6'4" receiver from Marshall were squashed immediately. Moss totaled 1313 yards and 17 touchdowns as a rookie, immediately establishing himself as the NFL’s premier receiver.

Moss was traded to Oakland for a first-round pick in 2005 where his career was derailed by shaky quarterback play. Three years and two teams later, Moss is back where he began his career.

Just in time too. With Sidney Rice injured, the Vikings have lacked downfield threats and Favre has struggled. His 60.4 QB rating is the lowest of the legend's twenty-year career. Now that Moss has returned, I expect those numbers to rise immediately.

2. Steve Nash

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INGLEWOOD - APRIL 11: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakersa at The Forum on April 11,1997 in Inglewood, California. The Lakers won 114-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agree

We all know about Steve Nash. His unselfish play has led the Suns to an amazing turnaround, and five playoff appearances in the past six years. What people forget is that Nash was originally drafted by the Suns.

A first round pick out of Santa Clara, Nash played two seasons with the Suns before moving on to Dallas.

1. Michael Jordan

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CHICAGO - MARCH 30: Michael Jordan #45 of the Chicago Bulls jumps to shoot the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics at the United Center on March 30, 1995 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Celtics 100-82. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Perhaps the oddest homecoming of all time, Air Jordan retired three times and twice returned to the Bulls. His venture into minor league baseball following the 1993-1994 season shocked the world, and his return to the game late in the 1995 season may be the greatest homecoming in the history of sports.

After a disappointing half season wearing number 45, His Airness helped the Bulls to a second three-peat and the best regular season record in NBA history.