What happened to John Ross? Retracing injury-riddled career of WR with fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver John Ross made history when he broke the 40-yard-dash NFL record at the 2017 NFL Combine. The Washington wide receiver ran a 40-yard dash in a record 4.22 seconds and had scouts and the football world shocked with his speed. The previous record was held by running back Chris Johnson, who completed it in 4.24 seconds in 2008.

At the conclusion of his run, Ross strained his calves, which didn't allow him to participate in any other combine drills.

Nevertheless, Ross was still a top-10 pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He was the third wide receiver selected as the Cincinnati Bengals took him with the ninth-overall pick in the draft.

Head coach Marvin Lewis named Ross as the sixth wide receiver heading into his rookie season. He only appeared in three total games and his only stat was one rush for 12 yards. Ironically, he fumbled on that carry and was benched for the remainder of the season. On December 4, 2017, he was put on IR due to a shoulder injury.

The following season, Ross played in 13 games while starting 10. He only recorded 21 receptions for 210 yards but scored seven touchdowns. For every three catches he recorded a touchdown, but still didn't live up to his potential.

In 2019, Ross finished the season with 28 receptions for 506 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns but played in just eight games due to his shoulder injury.

John Ross played only three games in 2020. He was on the Bengals' inactive list for four of the Bengals' previous five games as a "healthy scratch" before he was placed on injured reserve on November 14, 2020. His season stats included two receptions for 17 yards.

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John Ross finding it hard to find success

Philadelphia Eagles v New York Giants

After his contract expired with the Bengals, Ross signed a one-year $2.5 million contract with the New York Giants in 2021.

John Ross appeared in ten games during the 2021 season and recorded 11 receptions for 224 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

The 27-year-old became a free agent in 2022, and missed the entire season as he was not picked up. On January 9, 2023, he signed a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.

With Mahomes as his quarterback and Andy Reid as his coach, maybe the former first-round pick can have his season revived this year.