CLAYTON, NEW YORK — The first annual Bassmaster Randy Moss Pro Football Hall of Fame Pro-Am concluded on Monday along the picturesque St. Lawrence River in Clayton, New York. In a surprising turn, the event's namesake, Randy Moss, did not clinch the top prize.
The unique competition paired eight esteemed members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame with eight accomplished Bassmaster Elite Series professionals for a single day of angling.
Jackson Claims Inaugural Title
Linebacker Rickey Jackson, a Super Bowl XXIX champion, emerged victorious alongside his partner, two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier John Garrett. Their combined catch weighed in at an impressive 21 pounds, 10 ounces, securing them the championship.
Jackson, a native of Pahokee, Florida, who spent his formative years near the renowned Lake Okeechobee, likened his triumph on the water to his greatest sporting achievement. "I mean, it's kind of like winning the Super Bowl," he remarked, humorously noting the absence of a celebratory trip to Disney World.
Intense Competition and Playful Jabs
Joe Thomas, a prominent offensive lineman, had vocally predicted a win throughout the tournament week, engaging in playful banter with Randy Moss about the event bearing his name. "I would say these guys are trembling in their boots because I am by far the most experienced and talented of the bass fishermen here, pros included," Thomas quipped on the dock just prior to launch. "I mean, it's just a matter of when we collect our prize money and the trophy at this point."
Thomas and his partner, Jay Przekurat, nearly fulfilled that bold prediction, finishing in a close second place with 21 pounds, 5 ounces, just five ounces shy of the winning weight.
The good-natured trash talk continued even as they approached the weigh station. Thomas stated, "It would feel great to snatch that right from Randy Moss because he's been cheating a little bit... but as you can see, when you're from Wisconsin, you guys can cheat all you want, Randy Moss. The real fishermen are right here. We'll take care of it."
Offensive lineman Kevin Mawae secured third place, catching 20 pounds, 6 ounces with his partner, Robert Gee. Mawae revealed his familiarity with the sport, mentioning his residence near Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the nation's premier bass fishing destinations, where he frequently fishes.
When asked about the prospect of joining the professional tour, Mawae outlined three prerequisites: his wife's approval, securing sponsors, and acquiring a boat. He added a practical piece of advice: "You don't have to have a boat. But you gotta make sure you're friendly with a neighbor who does."
Unexpected Anglers and Unique Approaches
Packers legend Dave Robinson, a two-time Super Bowl champion under Vince Lombardi, finished fourth with 17 pounds, 15 ounces, partnered with 2024 Bassmaster Classic champion Justin Hamner. Robinson had expressed very low expectations for his own angling abilities coming into the week, rating his confidence a "negative two" out of ten, yet he still optimistically predicted a win.
During their time on the water, Hamner shared an amusing detail about Robinson's unconventional bait choice. "He had beef jerky on the hook. I don't know if that's cheating or not, but I just wanted to let y'all know," Hamner revealed. While the jerky didn't yield any fish, it certainly demonstrated an innovative spirit.
Cornerback Ronde Barber and Elite pro Tucker Smith placed fifth with 16 pounds, 14 ounces. When questioned about what position his partner could play in the NFL, Barber playfully assigned him to cover Randy Moss. "He's going to play Nickelback next to me," Barber joked. "He’s going to be my backup." B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer lightheartedly added, "Way, way, way back."
Robert Brazile, competing under his well-known NFL moniker "Doctor Doom" alongside partner Tyler Williams, finished sixth with 14 pounds, 3 ounces. Their duo was affectionately dubbed "Doctor Doom and the Barefoot Bandit."
Brazile shared fishing wisdom passed down from his father, explaining, "The best way to fish is to close your mouth." He reflected on his experience, concluding, "I never thought I could enjoy something more than football. This is better than football."
Moss's Vision for the Event
Randy Moss, fishing with 2025 Bassmaster Classic champion Easton Fothergill, weighed in at 13 pounds, 11 ounces, placing seventh. Fothergill, who grew up in Minnesota admiring Moss, noted his partner's competence on the water, particularly in using forward-facing sonar to locate fish at depths of 70 to 90 feet.
Moss initiated this event with the specific goal of offering his fellow Hall of Famers an experience he had grown to love over the past two decades. "I just wanted to team up, bring the two together, and see if we can put something on for years to come," Moss explained before the tournament. "This is the first annual, and I look forward to it."
He described the pro-am as an opportunity to draw his peers out of their usual football-centric gatherings, which typically occur once a year at induction ceremonies, and into a novel activity. The natural beauty of the St. Lawrence River in Clayton served as an easy draw. "Me being a country boy," Moss stated, "just being around water just makes me feel at home."
"Megatron" Lands a Big One
Calvin Johnson, known as "Megatron," and Elite pro Brandon Palaniuk finished last as a team with 11 pounds, 13 ounces. Despite their overall standing, they still earned the day's Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for landing a 7-pound smallmouth.
Johnson remained humble about his contribution, remarking, "I was just fishing today. I wasn't catching." He acknowledged the profound impact of the experience. "This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for me," Johnson shared. "I was talking to Brandon, I was like, 'Dang man, you got me thinking about getting a boat now.'"
The positive reception from the participants suggested that Johnson might not be the only one considering a new boat. Moss's aspiration to create an event his fellow Hall of Famers would embrace as he had appeared to be a resounding success. The enthusiastic reactions along the dock indicated that next year's event is likely to see an expanded roster of teams.