John Ellis Ross III Bio
John Ellis Ross III is an American professional football wide receiver known for his exceptional speed and playmaking ability. Born on November 27, 1995, in Long Beach, California, Ross played college football at the University of Washington before being selected ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL draft. He has played for multiple NFL teams and is recognized for holding the NFL Combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash for several years.
Early Life and Background
John Ross was born in Long Beach, California, where he attended Jordan High School. During his high school years, he excelled in football as a wide receiver and cornerback and was also a standout track athlete. Ross finished third in the 100 meters at the 2013 CIF Southern Section Division 1 final with a time of 10.66 seconds and recorded 21.56 seconds in the 200 meters. His speed and athleticism made him a highly regarded recruit, ranked as the No. 49 overall prospect in California by ESPN. He committed to the University of Washington to continue his football career.
Path to American Football
Ross began his collegiate football career at the University of Washington in 2013, playing in all 13 games as a true freshman. He contributed as a receiver and kick returner, showcasing his speed and versatility. In 2014, he continued to develop, playing both receiver and cornerback, and led the NCAA in kickoff return yards. Despite suffering a torn ACL in 2015 that sidelined him for the season, Ross returned in 2016 to earn First-team All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year honors. His college success and blazing speed positioned him as a top prospect for the NFL draft.
John Ellis Ross III Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
John Ross was selected ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract and competed for a starting wide receiver role. Ross made his professional debut in 2017 but was limited by injuries, including a shoulder injury that ended his rookie season early. His first NFL touchdown came in the 2018 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, and he finished that season with seven receiving touchdowns despite limited receptions.
Cincinnati Bengals Breakthrough (2019–2020)
In 2019, Ross showed improvement with notable performances, including multiple games with over 100 receiving yards. However, injuries continued to affect his availability, leading to time on injured reserve. The Bengals declined his fifth-year contract option in 2020, and Ross requested a trade amid limited playing time. He finished the 2020 season with minimal contributions due to injuries and team decisions.
New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs Era (2021–2023)
Ross signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants in 2021 but started the season on injured reserve. Upon activation, he contributed with receptions and a touchdown during the season. In 2023, Ross signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but announced his retirement before the season began. Later that year, he declared his intention to return to professional football and was waived by the Chiefs, entering free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024)
In 2024, Ross signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released during the preseason but re-signed to the practice squad. Ross was released again in December 2024, marking a challenging season as he sought to reestablish his role in the NFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
John Ross is known for his elite speed, which has been a defining aspect of his playing style since college. His ability to stretch defenses vertically makes him a deep threat on the field. Ross combines his speed with agility and route-running skills, allowing him to create separation from defenders. His kickoff return skills have also been a valuable asset throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ross held the NFL Combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.22 seconds for seven years, a testament to his speed. He earned First-team All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year honors in 2016 during his college career. Despite injuries impacting his professional trajectory, Ross has had standout games with multiple touchdowns and 100-yard receiving performances.
John Ellis Ross III Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, John Ross has contributed key plays and touchdowns across several teams. While injuries have limited his overall statistics, he has demonstrated his playmaking ability in critical moments, including multiple receiving touchdowns and kickoff return scores at the collegiate level.
NFL Highlights
Ross’s first professional touchdown came in the 2018 season opener with the Cincinnati Bengals. He recorded multiple games with over 100 receiving yards, including a seven-catch, 158-yard, two-touchdown performance in 2019. His speed and big-play potential have made him a valuable deep threat when healthy.
Other Wins & Performances
In college, Ross led the NCAA in kickoff return yards in 2014 and scored multiple kickoff return touchdowns. His collegiate accolades include First-team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Player of the Year honors in 2016, highlighting his impact beyond receiving statistics.
John Ellis Ross III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about John Ross’s family background and lineage are not publicly documented or verified.
Personal Life
Information regarding John Ross’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, John Ross is a free agent following his release from the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in late 2024. After announcing a comeback from retirement in 2023, Ross aims to reestablish himself in the NFL. His speed and experience remain assets as he seeks opportunities to contribute to a team in the upcoming season.