The NFL world was shocked this week to hear that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver John Ross was placed on the reserve/retired list. This means that his career in the NFL is effectively over, as Ross made the difficult decision to hang his cleats up.
While he, unfortunately, was never able to get it going in the NFL, the talent and physical traits were always present in Ross. This makes it even more surprising to see that he called it quits after just six seasons in the league.
The #Chiefs placed WR John Ross on the reserve/retired list, according to today’s transaction wire. The record holder for fastest 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine (4.22) and No. 9 overall pick in 2017 has decided to retire.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 26, 2023
John Ross retires with the fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL Combine history
Ross spent one season with the NY Giants in which he caught 11 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown. Sadly enough, though, Ross would not be signed following his time with the Giants, but was picked up by the Chiefs this offseason prior to his retirement.
Many Giants fans may remember Ross's heroic performance against the Saints in 2021 where he caught three passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. One of these catches was a filthy 52-yard pass for his lone TD of the season. Considering how early this was in the season, many thought Ross would be primed for a big year, but unfortunately he could never get it going with New York.
Daniel Jones with a DEEP Touchdown to John Ross!!!! pic.twitter.com/heGtiaKImo
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 3, 2021
Prior to signing with the Giants, Ross was drafted ninth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. However, injuries would consistently derail any progression he could have made. During his four seasons with the Bengals, Ross played in just 27 games. Really anytime it seemed like Ross was making strides he would go down with an injury. It's just another example of an exciting talent being ruined because of injuries in the NFL.
Ross still holds the record for the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which he set with a ridiculous 4.22 run. So, while he may never have caught on in the NFL, he will likely have bragging rights on this record for a very long time.