A former NFL star has found a new mission: chicken sandwiches in Miami

Miami Herald

11-07-2025

Randy Moss has had a few careers. NFL wide receiver. Sports commentator. Bile duct cancer survivor.
And now, South Florida chicken restaurant entrepreneur.
In his newest role, the Pro Football Hall of Famer was excited to pass out chicken sandwiches Friday as a partner in the new Crisppi's Chicken on Biscayne Boulevard, just north of downtown Miami.
'I just want to taste that waffle,' said the 48-year-old Moss, eyeing some food for himself.
At Crisppi's Chicken, customers can order huge fried chicken sandwiches dripping with mango habanero sauce or sweet Thai chili sauce, a Moss favorite. Chicken and waffles are also popular, and one waffle menu item comes coated in Fruity Pebbles breakfast cereal.
Branching out to the Miami Dolphins' stadium
In addition to its Miami location, Crisppi's will partner with the Miami Dolphins to operate restaurants during the upcoming NFL season at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium. Hungry fans can find Crisppi's in suite 102 and 329.
'We're proud to partner with Crisppi's Chicken to enhance our game day experience,' said Danielle Pierce, Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium vice president of partnership development. 'Delivering great dining options is always a priority for us and this partnership will bring Crisppi's quality fried chicken to our lineup of outstanding food and beverage options at Hard Rock Stadium.'
Growing up in West Virginia, Moss never saw himself owning a food business or succeeding in entrepreneurship.
'I think when you come from a small town, you grow up with a lot of uncertainty,' he said. 'I just think that all the relationships that I've worked on and gained over time have gotten me to this point, and I'm very blessed and very thankful to be in this position.'
According to Fox Business, 78% of professional athletes go broke just three years after retirement. Moss earned an estimated $84 million over his 14-year NFL career — and was committed to not being one of those athletes.
'I was taught early in my career that there's life after football,' he said. 'And I think that a lot of younger players, as they get older and then experience their exit out of the National Football League, they don't even have a path or avenue to go down. So a lot of uncertainty starts to come up. I just wanted to find my niche and find something else.'
Hooked on chicken sandwiches
Before Moss enjoyed his first Crisppi's chicken sandwich during the pandemic, his favorite chicken sandwich came from Nashville. After he had a sweet Thai chili sandwich, that changed quickly.
Crisppi's founder Brittany Tolliferreo also wants her company to give back to the community through philanthropy — and with Moss as a partner, that goal is even more in reach.
'It is part of our core values to work with [local] institutions to provide hearty meals, essential resources, and support those in need to foster healthier, more equitable neighborhoods,' she said.
Randy Moss is focus of attention at the restaurant
As fans of all ages began asking Moss for selfies and autographs on Friday at the new Miami restaurant, he mentioned that Crisppi's chicken is the focus, and not him. But his energy filled the room so much that Crisppi's workers beamed with pride.
'Having Randy be a part of Crisppi's speaks volumes,' Crisppi's operations manager Kirk Tolliferreo said.
Tolliferreo shares the passion of Moss for hard work, and it shows in the quality of the food that's served at the Crisppi's at 2917 Biscayne Blvd. Tolliferreo hopes that every entrepreneur can have that kind of energy.
'If you ain't willing to sacrifice ... it ain't going to work for you,' he said. 'But when you sacrifice, the reward is heavy.'