Justyn Ross Bio
Justyn Ross is an American professional football wide receiver who played college football at Clemson University before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Born on December 15, 1999, in Phenix City, Alabama, Ross overcame a significant neck and spine condition that forced him to miss the entire 2020 college season. Despite this setback, he recovered to continue his football career and has achieved championship success at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Justyn Ross grew up in Phenix City, Alabama, where he attended Central High School. During his senior season at Central High School, Ross recorded 37 receptions for 730 yards and 13 touchdowns, demonstrating the playmaking ability that would define his football career. His exceptional performance on the field earned him recognition as a four-star recruit, ranking as the number 45 national prospect and the seventh-best wide receiver in his class.
Ross received scholarship offers from several prestigious college programs, including Alabama, Auburn, and Duke, before ultimately deciding to continue his football journey at Clemson University. His commitment to Clemson marked the beginning of a successful collegiate career that would see him become one of the program’s most productive receivers.
Path to American Football
Upon arriving at Clemson University in 2018, Ross immediately made an impact as a freshman for the Clemson Tigers. He recorded 46 receptions for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns during his inaugural college season, displaying the speed, hands, and route-running skills that scouts had anticipated. His standout performance came in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama, where he recorded six receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown, helping Clemson secure the national title.
As a sophomore in 2019, Ross continued his strong play, finishing the season with 865 receiving yards on 66 receptions and eight touchdowns. His consistency and ability to make big plays in crucial moments established him as a primary target in Clemson’s passing attack. However, his college career faced a significant obstacle when he was diagnosed with a congenital fusion condition of his neck and spine related to Klippel-Feil syndrome, which required surgery and caused him to miss the entire 2020 season. Ross was granted a medical redshirt, allowing him to return for additional seasons.
Returning as a redshirt junior in 2021, Ross demonstrated resilience by recording a team-high 524 receiving yards on 47 receptions with three touchdowns in ten games. He concluded his Clemson career ranking fifth all-time in program history with 20 career receiving touchdowns. On January 6, 2022, Ross announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.
Justyn Ross Career
Early Career (2022)
Despite projections that he would be selected during the 2022 NFL Draft, Ross went undrafted. His collegiate neck injury and limited production during his final healthy season in 2019 contributed to teams passing on him. However, his talent and potential remained evident to NFL scouts, and shortly after the draft concluded, Ross signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 7, 2022.
His rookie season with the Chiefs was cut short before it began when he underwent offseason foot surgery. Ross was placed on injured reserve on July 25, 2022, causing him to miss his entire inaugural professional season. Despite the setback, he remained with the organization and worked toward earning his place on the roster.
Kansas City Chiefs Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Ross earned his first championship ring when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII during the 2022 season. Although he did not record statistics during his rookie year, being part of the organization during a championship season provided invaluable experience and perspective for his development as a professional.
During the 2023 season, Ross continued his tenure with the Chiefs. However, his season was interrupted when he was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on October 27, 2023, due to an arrest earlier that week in Shawnee, Kansas, for domestic battery and criminal property damage. He subsequently received a suspension from Week 8 until Week 14 of that season. Despite these challenges, Ross persisted in his professional football career.
Ross achieved his second Super Bowl championship when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII during the 2023 season. This victory cemented his legacy as a player who contributed to one of the NFL’s most successful dynasties. He was waived by the Chiefs on August 27, 2024, and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad. Ross signed a reserve/future contract with the team on February 11, 2025, before being waived again on July 16, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ross possesses the size and physical tools typical of an NFL-caliber wide receiver. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 210 pounds, he presents a large target for quarterbacks in the red zone and along sideline routes. His collegiate film showcased his ability to win contested catches and create separation against tight coverage. His experience playing in a high-powered Clemson offense against elite competition prepared him for the mental demands of professional football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ross’s journey includes several defining moments, from his national championship performance against Alabama in 2019 to his two Super Bowl victories with the Chiefs. His recovery from neck surgery and return to college football demonstrated his determination and resilience. His selection by the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League Draft on January 14, 2026, marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career following his time in the NFL.
Justyn Ross Career Wins
Throughout his football career, Ross has accumulated significant achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels, including championship titles and individual recognition.
Kansas City Chiefs Highlights
Ross was part of two Super Bowl championship teams with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning Super Bowl LVII in February 2023 and Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024. While his statistical contributions in the NFL remained modest, with six receptions for 53 receiving yards during his professional career, his role as a member of a championship organization provided him with unique experiences and opportunities for growth.
College Football Achievements
During his collegiate career at Clemson, Ross was instrumental in the Tigers’ success, most notably helping the team capture the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2018. He earned the Brian Piccolo Award in 2021, recognizing him as the team’s most outstanding offensive player. Ross finished his college career ranking fifth all-time at Clemson with 20 career receiving touchdowns.
Justyn Ross Family
Family Background
Specific details regarding Justyn Ross’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or extended family information, are not extensively documented in available public sources. His upbringing in Phenix City, Alabama, provided the foundation for his football career, where he developed his skills at Central High School before advancing to the collegiate level.
Personal Life
Ross has navigated several challenges throughout his young career, including significant injuries and professional setbacks. His ability to overcome a congenital neck and spine condition that required surgery demonstrates his resilience. However, his personal life has also included legal difficulties, including an arrest in October 2023 that resulted in a suspension from NFL activities.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Ross was seeking to establish himself as a consistent contributor with the Kansas City Chiefs organization. After signing a reserve/future contract in February 2025, he aimed to make the most of his opportunity with the team during training camp and the preseason. His experience from two Super Bowl championships provided him with a strong foundation of professional football knowledge and championship-level preparation.
Ross’s tenure with the Chiefs came to an end when he was waived on July 16, 2025. Following his release from the NFL, Ross began exploring opportunities to continue his professional football career, ultimately leading to his selection by the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League in January 2026. This move represented a new chapter in his football journey, offering him the opportunity to showcase his abilities in a professional setting outside the NFL structure.