While players like Morten Andersen and Tom Brady created history by competing in the NFL for extended periods of time, Chiefs player John Ross seems to be going the opposite way.
The Chiefs wide receiver could not hold up the pressure of national play ultimately calling it a day at a very young age. It has seemingly come as a bolt from the blue for the whole Chiefs squad as well as for the NFL fans though his contribution on the field was not so bewildering.
John Ross announces retirement
On Wednesday, the Chiefs placed the 27-year-old on the reserve/retired list after the Kansas City team’s training camp commenced on July 23. Dov Kleiman’s report states that the receiver is likely done playing football.
Update: #Chiefs WR John Ross, the 9th overall pick in the 2017 Draft has retired.
Ross set the record for fastest 40 time in Combine history with 4.22. pic.twitter.com/hVsREo5joC
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 26, 2023
John was signed by the Chiefs in free agency last winter to expand their receiving options, but his time with the team and the NFL ended at a very young age. During the first few practices at the training camp, Ross ranked very low in the depth chart. In addition, he skipped practice on Wednesday.
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that NFL is a game of mental grit almost as much as it is a game of physical prowess. Quick thinking, clutch decision-making, and adaptability to hostile situations are usually crucial to a player. However, the lack of these very qualities can not only affect the performance of a player but can also get them hurt badly.
Perhaps keeping up with high-caliber athletes like Patrick Mahomes turned out to be a tad too difficult of a task for the 27-year-old. Ultimately, his decision should be helpful for all parties involved as the Kansas City Chiefs will likely require athletes at their near-best. And while his NFL career might end rather unceremoniously, he could still find success in other endeavors!
John Ross’ career highlights in NFL
Ross was the draft mate of Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 NFL draft when he was picked by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round. He remained in their receiving corps for four seasons and played in only 27 of 64 possible games while racking up 51 passes for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns.
After that, the New York Giants signed him to an inexpensive, one-year contract and brought him to the roster in 2021. He played with them for one season, hauling in 11 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown.
The wide receiver then joined Mahomes’ team in January despite having an unremarkable career with his prior two teams. Unfortunately, his career ended with questions yet unresolved before even completing a proper season!
