John Ross delivered a memorable performance at the Combine, but his pro career is coming to an end after an inability to translate his skillset to the NFL. The former top-1o was placed on the reserved/retired list by the Chiefs on Wednesday, per the wire.
The 27-year-old entered the league with substantial expectations after he ran a record-setting 4.22 second 40-yard dash at the Combine in 2017. His speed helped make him the ninth overall selection in that year’s draft, with the Bengals selecting him ahead of a group of other prospects headlined by Patrick Mahomes. Ross was the third and final receiver taken in that year’s first round (behind Corey Davis and Mike Williams).
Ross battled injuries through much of his Cincinnati tenure, and he played only 27 games with the Bengals. The Washington alum’s best season came in 2019, when he recorded 506 yards and three touchdowns despite only getting into eight games. The rest of his Bengals stint saw him haul in only 23 catches for 227 yards in 19 games across three campaigns, although he did score a career-high seven touchdowns in 2018.
Following a 2020 season where he was limited to only three games thanks in part to a foot injury, Ross hit free agency. He ended up catching on with the Giants on a one-year deal, catching 11 passes in 10 games for his new squad.
After not getting into a game during the 2022 season, Ross signed a futures contract with the Chiefs back in January. He was set to compete for a roster spot before his sudden decision to retire.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
He got a $10MM signing bonus for under five seconds worth of work…
Another unexpected blow to the Chiefs WR room. Toney is having another surgery and now this.
Expected actually
One of the fastest specimen to ever play ball and he was an absolute and I mean complete bust. Phenomenal
The guy couldn’t run a good route to save his life. Run in a straight line he could do, but run and catch wasn’t his specialty. He would have prospered in the age of Stick-em, but he never could quite get the feet and the hands to work together.
He could own his own island but he didn’t even wear the right shoes
I know that most of the comments will revolve around how much of a disappointment Ross was, so I will also say this: the guy seemed very humble in the interviews that he did do. It’s a shame that his health never cooperated, but at least Ross can rest his hat on a well chased after record. That seven touchdown season was at least productive,along with his 500 yard campaign, and it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t see more. That’s only one part of his life, though, and I hope Ross can put his earnings to good use in his next chapter. Best of luck to him, and good for him to have set that record.
Guy was absolutely dynamite at UW. Keep on smokin Ross
Poster boy for a guy who had ALL the athletic ability but NONE of the drive or work ethic. What a waste of a career.
I’d have to disagree, he had all the physical talent but not the complete package of soft skill talent to make him successful. Always seemed like he was trying to put in the work.