Allen Fredrickson / Reuters

On the trade of his former teammate Randy Moss, Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper said "there’s no way we can replace Randy. There’s no way to find a guy that does what he does."

updated 6:00 p.m. ET March 3, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS - Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper is bewildered and hurt by suggestions he was responsible for the departure of wide receiver Randy Moss.

In an interview with the Star Tribune for Thursday’s editions, Culpepper insisted he did nothing to force the trade the Vikings finalized with the Oakland Raiders earlier Wednesday.

Culpepper acknowledged he did not always approve of Moss’ conduct, but said overcoming the loss of his top receiver will be as difficult as dealing with his flaws.

“This trade, I hated to see it,” Culpepper told the Star Tribune. “I guess it’s a business, and as a team we have to move on. One thing we know, by looking at New England, is that teams win championships, not individuals. ... But there’s no way we can replace Randy. There’s no way to find a guy that does what he does. As a team, we’re going to have to find a way to pick up the slack.

“I can’t speak for everybody,” Culpepper continued. “Moss rubbed everybody in different ways, but he wasn’t that bad of a guy. He has a certain way of going about things, and there were things that I definitely disagreed with him on. But he’s still my friend and I never had any real beef with him.”

Culpepper said comments he made at the Pro Bowl that some interpreted as approving a trade were misunderstood.

“I never wanted to see Randy leave. And I never said that. I don’t know how it got out that I did. I want to make that clear. Maybe the Vikings organization was ready to move on, but that was never what I was saying. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime player,” he said.

Last month, at the Pro Bowl, Culpepper said of Moss: “He’s my good friend, but you almost get to thinking that maybe enough is enough. And maybe the Vikings organization has had enough.”

The Vikings have said little about their reasons for making the trade. In a statement Wednesday, owner Red McCombs said only, “We have decided to go in a different direction at this point.”

Other team officials deferred comment ahead of McCombs’ teleconference with reporters Thursday.

More news

Adam Hunger / Reuters

NFL on notice: Brady feeling better

PFT: Tom Brady, who turns 36 in August, says he has "never felt better throwing the football" and his confidence is peaking.

Getty Images

PFT: Jets rookie QB Geno Smith learned his lessons

PFT: Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith said the draft process taught him an important lesson on taking criticism.

Headlines

• Label

PFT: Arians impressed with Palmer's experience

PFT: Ravens face tough decisions on Suggs, Ngata

PFT: Manuel says Bills' offense simpler than FSU's

PFT: Bills reportedly agree with 2nd-rounder Woods

PFT: Gronk cancels pre-surgery Vegas vacation

PFT: Chargers ink Freeney for 2 years, $8.5 million

PFT: Super Bowls L & LI to be awarded  |  Voting

PFT: Bucs' Schiano 'not against' starting Glennon