John Ross Bio
John Ellis Ross III (born November 27, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver who has spent nearly a decade navigating the highs and lows of the sport at the highest level. Drafted ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, Ross first gained national attention for his record-breaking speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, where his 4.22-second 40-yard dash stood as the fastest in combine history for seven years. Over the course of his career, he has suited up for four NFL franchises, battled through significant injuries, and earned All-American honors during his college days with the Washington Huskies.
Ross’s journey is one of rare athletic gifts tested by persistence. From starring as a prep sprinter in Long Beach, California, to leading the Pac-12 as its Player of the Year in 2016, he has been defined as much by his resilience as by his straight-line speed. Today, he continues to pursue opportunities to extend his football career.
Early Life and Background
John Ellis Ross III was born on November 27, 1995, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in the city and developed his athletic foundation through local sports programs, including Snoop Dogg’s All-Star youth football league. That early exposure to organized competition helped shape his understanding of the game and built his passion for football.
Ross attended Jordan High School in Long Beach, where he split his time between football and track. On the gridiron, he lined up at both wide receiver and cornerback, demonstrating two-way versatility. On the track, he became one of the top sprinters in the region, finishing third in the 100 meters at the 2013 CIF Southern Section Division 1 final with a time of 10.66 seconds, while also posting a 21.56-second mark in the 200 meters. His senior-year performances established him as a four-star recruit, ranked as the No. 49 overall prospect in the state of California by ESPN.
Ross ultimately committed to the University of Washington to play college football, choosing the Huskies over other suitors based on the program’s fit for his skills and his long-term development.
Path to American Football
Ross’s path toward becoming an NFL-caliber wide receiver accelerated quickly once he arrived in Seattle. As a true freshman in 2013, he played in all 13 games for the Washington Huskies and finished with 16 receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown. He also added 720 kick return yards and a touchdown, foreshadowing his future role as a dynamic special teams threat.
In 2014, Ross emerged as one of the most exciting young players in college football. He played in 13 of 14 games, recording 17 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver, 12 tackles and an interception as a cornerback, and an NCAA-leading 938 kickoff return yards with two touchdowns. His versatility and production led to national recognition, and he was later named a First-team All-American, a First-team All-Pac-12 selection, and the Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2016, after returning from a torn ACL that cost him the entire 2015 season.
On January 3, 2017, Ross announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. The pre-draft process only heightened his stock, as he ran a 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, breaking Chris Johnson’s previous record and cementing his reputation as one of the fastest players the league had ever evaluated.
John Ross Career
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2017-2020)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Ross in the first round, ninth overall, of the 2017 NFL draft. He was the third wide receiver taken, behind Corey Davis and Mike Williams. On May 7, 2017, the Bengals signed Ross to a four-year, $17.1 million contract with a $10.6 million signing bonus. Despite his first-round pedigree, head coach Marvin Lewis initially listed him as the sixth wide receiver on the depth chart.
Ross’s rookie year was marked by injury and inactivity. He debuted on September 14, 2017, against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football, gaining 12 rushing yards but fumbling his lone carry. Knee and shoulder injuries limited him throughout the season, and he was placed on injured reserve on December 4, 2017, ending his first year with just one touch. In 2018, Ross recorded his first professional touchdown on a three-yard reception against the Indianapolis Colts, finishing with 21 receptions for 210 yards and seven touchdowns.
New York Giants Era (2021)
On March 19, 2021, Ross signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the New York Giants. He was placed on injured reserve to begin the season but returned to action in Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints, catching three passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in a 27-21 victory. He appeared in ten games during the 2021 season, finishing with 11 receptions for 224 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2023)
Ross signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on January 9, 2023. On July 26, 2023, he informed the team he was retiring and was placed on the reserve/retired list. Later, on November 27, 2023, Ross announced his intention to come out of retirement and pursue a comeback. The Chiefs waived him the same day, and he entered free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024)
On May 23, 2024, Ross signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released on August 27 but re-signed to the practice squad on September 24. The Eagles released him again on December 3, 2024.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ross’s most defining moment came before he ever played a down in the NFL, when he ran a 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine, setting a record that stood for seven years before Xavier Worthy broke it in 2024 with a 4.21. His two-game stretch to open the 2019 season, in which he posted seven catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns against Seattle and four catches for 112 yards and a touchdown against San Francisco, briefly revived his career trajectory and set the stage for his breakout potential.
John Ross Career Stats
Through his NFL career as of the 2024 season, Ross has recorded 63 receptions for 963 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns across his time with multiple franchises. His career statistics reflect both his elite speed and the persistent injury challenges that have shaped his professional journey.
John Ross Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Ross maintains a private personal life. Public details about his parents and immediate family have not been widely disclosed. He is known to have a son, as referenced in news coverage from August 2020, when Ross left Bengals training camp to tend to his son, who had tested positive for COVID-19.
2025 Season Outlook
Following his release from the Philadelphia Eagles in December 2024, Ross entered 2025 as a free agent. His career statistics through 2024 include 63 career receptions for 963 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. Given his history of overcoming injuries and his proven track speed, Ross remains an intriguing option for teams seeking veteran depth and special teams contribution. His next career move will determine whether his elite athletic profile can translate into a sustained professional opportunity.
