WR John Ross grateful for opportunity with Eagles, says early retirement was a mistake

Going from top-10 draft pick to tryout player has been a humbling experience for John Ross, but he’s ready to make the most of his second chance.

Ross, 28, was drafted No. 9 overall in 2017 by the Bengals after running a 4.22 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, the fastest ever at the time.

Production didn’t follow in the NFL, as Ross recorded just 51 receptions for 733 yards and ten touchdowns during his four seasons in Cincinatti.

Ross signed with the Giants in 2021 but didn’t see much success there either, catching 11 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown. After spending last offseason with the Chiefs, Ross announced his retirement at the start of training camp.

One year later, he returns to the NFL following a successful tryout with the Eagles. Following Thursday’s OTA practice, John Ross said he knew it was a mistake when he retired, and that his son ‘pulled him out of a bad place.’

Powerful words from John Ross as he explains how his son inspired him to return to football 😤

The new Eagles WR will fight for a roster spot this summer after retiring a year ago. pic.twitter.com/hmf6195fj3

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 30, 2024

“I got to see my son every single day, and I think that changed my life, because it just let me know that I don’t have anything to worry about,” Ross said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I got this little boy, inspiring me every day… I can honestly say he pulled me out of a bad place. And again, I’m very thankful.”

“Every day, he wants hear how practice is, and that really keeps me in it. I’m already in it for myself, like I said, I wake up every day happy… I actually grew up an Eagles fan, too, so it’s actually crazy. But he calls me every day and keeps me in it for sure.”

With the retirement of Devante Parker, Ross will have a chance to prove himself while practicing alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

The Eagles current WR3 is slated to be Parris Campbell. If Ross is able to show off the speed that once made him a first-round pick, he could compete for playing time in 2024.

New #Eagles WR John Ross: pic.twitter.com/2nt8ASRN8P

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 30, 2024

Mandatory Credit: NBC Sports Philadelphia