Former Top-10 Pick Hoping To Make NFL Comeback
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 28: John Ross #12 of the New York Giants reacts after a first down against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 28, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
John Ross hasn't played in nearly two years, but he may be eyeing a comeback.
Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Kansas City Chiefs waived Ross from the reserve/retired list Monday. That clears the wide receiver to sign with another team.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Ross with the No. 9 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft after he set an unofficial record by running the 40-yard dash in 4.22 seconds. However, he never turned that blazing speed into consistent NFL success.
Ross caught just 62 of 143 targets for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns in 37 career games. He dropped 17 passes and coughed up three fumbles.
Injuries were also a recurring theme. A torn labrum in his shoulder derailed Ross' rookie season.
He showed some promise when scoring seven touchdowns in 2018, and Ross enjoyed his best stretch when accruing 510 yards in eight games the following year. But he spent half the season on the injured reserve with another shoulder injury.
Ross was last seen registering 240 yards on a dozen touches in 10 games for the New York Giants in 2021. He signed a reserve/future contract with Kansas City in January but appeared unlikely to make the team before retiring in July.
Monday's transaction, which transpired on Ross' 28th birthday, is a likely sign that he's pursuing an NFL return. A team may remain tantalized by his speed enough to give the wideout another look.
