Back in 2017, wide receiver John Ross made history when he clocked a 4.22 second time in the 40-yard-dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which is still the fastest time ever recorded for any player at the combine. But it looks like Ross has now decided to call it a career.
According to league insider Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, John Ross has decided that it is time for him to retire.
“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,” Garafolo said in a tweet.
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
After his blazing 4.22 second time at the NFL Scouting Combine, John Ross was selected No. 9 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for Ross, he spent much of his career sidelined with injuries and was largely unable to put that speed on full display.
Ross spent four seasons with the Bengals before playing one year with the New York Giants in 2021. After not playing the entire 2022 season, Ross signed a futures contract with the Chiefs before the start of training camp, but it appears he won’t be making a comeback after all.
The NFL world had plenty to say about the retirement of the league’s fastest player.
Wow. And remember, Ross was selected by the Bengals with the 9th pick in the 2017 draft — & yes, it was the pick just before the Chiefs acquired Patrick Mahomes. https://t.co/PyGeXXcCNR
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) July 26, 2023
I will always remember an John Ross. https://t.co/8N88djpMYY
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) July 26, 2023
Explains why we didn’t see him at #Chiefs practice today.
Another “what could’ve been” story but life is much longer than an NFL career. Hopefully he succeeds in whatever is next. https://t.co/UAKQ0tJyR3
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) July 26, 2023
John Ross hangs it up. https://t.co/hNjKHrfnsW
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 26, 2023
#Bengals legend. https://t.co/OF1YdJT0d3
— Austin Elmore (@autyelmore) July 26, 2023
Former Bengals news. Sad to see how his career has gone. I hope he does great at whatever he does after his football career. Wish him all the best https://t.co/mM2P129WCr
— Der German Tiger🐅 (@DerGermanTiger) July 26, 2023
It’s safe to say his career did not go the way he had hoped, but he’ll always be remembered for his legendary 40-yard dash time.
