Brent Moss, a former Wisconsin Badgers running back who was named the MVP of the 1994 Rose Bowl, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at the age of 50. His cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but some sources have reported that he died of a severe illness.
Contents
A High School and College Football Legend
Moss was a standout player at Racine Park High School in Wisconsin, where he led his team to the state championship in 1988. He rushed for over 5,000 yards and scored 60 touchdowns in his high school career. He was named the MVP of the state title game and earned first-team All-State honors twice.
Moss continued his success at the University of Wisconsin, where he played for four seasons from 1991 to 1994. He was a key part of the Badgers’ resurgence under head coach Barry Alvarez, who recruited him as one of his first recruits. Moss helped Wisconsin win its first Big Ten title in 31 years in 1993 and its first ever Rose Bowl victory over UCLA in 1994. He ran for 1,637 yards and 16 touchdowns in his junior season, earning the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award and the Silver Football as the conference’s best player. He also set a Rose Bowl record with 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns, earning the game’s MVP honors.
A Troubled Post-Football Life
Moss’s senior season at Wisconsin was cut short by a drug arrest that led to his suspension from the team. He finished his college career with 3,428 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns, ranking third and second in school history, respectively. He was not drafted by the NFL in 1995, but signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. He was later released and joined the St. Louis Rams, where he played in eight games and rushed for 90 yards. He also had brief stints in NFL Europe, the Arena Football League, and the XFL.
Moss struggled with drug addiction and legal troubles after his football career ended. He was arrested several times for cocaine possession and other charges. In 2017, he was sentenced to a year in prison and a year of extended supervision for a felony drug conviction. He also battled health issues, including diabetes and kidney problems.
A Beloved Teammate and Friend
Despite his personal challenges, Moss was remembered by his former teammates and coaches as a great player and a good person. Many of them expressed their condolences and tributes on social media after his death was announced.
“Brent was a great teammate, a good guy, and a big part of the turnaround of the Badger football program,” former Wisconsin offensive lineman Steve Stark wrote on Twitter according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “RIP brother.”
“Brent Moss was one of my favorite players I ever coached,” Alvarez said in a statement according to US day News. “He was tough as nails and had a tremendous will to win. He was a huge part of our success in the early years at Wisconsin. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.”
Moss is survived by his son, Brent Jr., his mother, Barbara, his siblings, and other relatives and friends. His funeral arrangements have not been announced yet.
