Former Husky WR John Ross’ journey back to the NFL

Former Washington star John Ross discussed his return to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday.

John Ross is fast. He was so fast that he broke the NFL combine’s 40-yard dash record in 2017, a record that had stood since 2008. He was a top-ten pick in the NFL draft that year, and it seemed as if the football world was his for the taking. Until it wasn’t.

The former Washington Huskies star was considered one of the top players in the draft. He was an explosive pass catcher with incredible speed and a high-level route runner. All the reasons the Cincinnati Bengals took him with the No. 9 overall pick. Ross was on top of the football world.

He entered training camp to prove himself and to secure the number two receiver on the team behind All-Pro A.J. Green, in competition with Tyler Boyd, Brandon LaFell, Cody Core, and Josh Malone. After camp, he barely cracked the depth chart, being named WR No. 6 by coach Marvin Lewis. Things were already off to a rocky start.

Ross’ pro debut didn’t go well either. He fumbled his first and only carry of the game, which subsequently was the only carry of his rookie season, which was marred with injuries. His first year was considered a massive disappointment when it ended early after he was placed on injured reserve.

The Long Beach, California, native spent the next three seasons with the Bengals before the team declined his fifth-year option. He signed with the New York Giants, but once again was faced with a season full of injuries and subpar performance.

In January 2023, he signed a futures contract with the Kansas City Chiefs but retired from the NFL over the summer.

Almost immediately after he knew he made a mistake and still wanted to play football.

“In my heart, I know who I am,” Ross said in a press conference with Philadelphia media on Thursday. “I knew I made a mistake. I’m in a much better place mentally, physically, and even spiritually. I’m actually thankful it happened.”

He spent his time coaching his 7-year-old son, Kyrie, which encouraged him to try to make a comeback to the NFL.

“I got to see my son every single day, and it taught me that I don’t have anything to worry about,” he said.

“He pulled me out of a bad place. I am very thankful”

He got his chance when Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Siriani invited him to the team’s rookie camp, which ended with him signing a one-year deal with last year’s NFC East runners-up. Now, he has a solid chance to make the roster.

“I was a top ten draft pick and we all talk about it all the time, like, man, if we ever get to the point where we have to try out, we’ll probably be done,” Ross said. “But then you get to that point and you’re like, you don’t have another choice.”

“I haven’t lost a step,” he said of his elite speed. “I’m still the same guy. I feel like I’m better than I was just because of where I am mentally. I’ve dealt with so many injuries, but I think what was hindering my success was all mental, because of how I was feeling physically.”

He said that because of his solid mental state, he might even be faster than when he set the combine record.

“I think I’m faster,” Ross said.”Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I can run a 4.15 or anything, I just feel better, so I can consistently be faster. That was my biggest thing. I feel I’m getting to the point where I can be consistent with my speed. That’s the biggest blessing I can ask for.”

“I was just grateful and thankful. I was happy to be here. It was an opportunity for me to play football again.”