Moss also acknowledged former teammate and good friend Kevin Faulk when asked about what he feels his responsibility is to younger players.
“My responsibility is to try and lead, going out there and showing them how professionals are supposed to work,’’ he said. “Early in my career, I looked at Cris Carter, Randall McDaniel, Randall Cunningham, and John Randle, just seeing how professionals are supposed to work each and every day. That’s what I thought I knew — how to work.
“But then I went up to New England and ran into Kevin Faulk. Me and Kevin have a little bit of history together because we came out the same year in high school and were on the same All-American team. I said, ‘Man, this is really how y’all work?’
“I thought I knew how to work. I was working out in the mornings doing this and that. [Faulk] took it an extra mile. He took it to the next level. What I’ve learned and what I’ve experienced and what guys like the Faulks and the John Randles and the Carters have taught me is that it’s my duty to give it back.”
When Faulk returned home after the Patriots ’lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl — a game Faulk didn’t dress for — Moss was waiting for him in his driveway to show support.
Moss hasn’t ruled out playing next season, but winning a Super Bowl on Sunday, “I think my career would be complete,” he said.
Shalise Manza Young can be reached at syoung@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @shalisemyoung.
