Ross became a standout player in high school, earning All-American honors as a senior. He was ranked as a four-star recruit and committed to play college football at the University of Washington. In college, Ross continued to impress as a receiver and return specialist. He set the Pac-12 Conference record for the fastest 40-yard dash time, clocking in at 4.22 seconds, breaking the previous record held by Chris Johnson.
Ross continued to improve in college, and in his junior year, he set a Washington school record with 1,150 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He was named a consensus All-American and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s best receiver. His standout performance in college earned him a spot in the 2017 NFL Draft.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Ross with the ninth overall pick. However, his rookie season was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just three games and one reception for 12 yards. It wasn’t until his second season in the league when Ross began to show his potential.
In 2018, Ross played in 13 games and caught 21 passes for 210 yards and seven touchdowns. He also set a new NFL record for the fastest time in a 40-yard dash, running it in 4.22 seconds, which was the same time he recorded while in college. Ross showed that he had the potential to be a top-notch receiver in the league, but injuries continued to hamper his progress. In 2019, he played in just eight games due to injury, catching 16 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns.
The 2020 season was a breakout year for Ross, as he played in 10 games and caught 24 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns. He had a career-best game against the Cleveland Browns, catching two touchdowns and finishing the game with 84 receiving yards.
Ross is known for his speed and explosiveness, which makes him a dangerous deep threat for opposing defenses. He has also improved his route-running abilities and has shown that he can be a reliable target in the red zone. However, injuries have been a big concern for Ross throughout his career, and he will need to stay healthy if he wants to reach his full potential.
Despite his injury history, Ross has shown that he has the potential to be a top receiver in the league. He has the speed and athleticism to make big plays, and if he can stay healthy, he could become a key piece of the Bengals’ offense for years to come. With his talent and work ethic, there’s no doubt that Ross has a bright future in the NFL.