PHILADELPHIA — John Ross knows he’s as fast as he was when he ran a then-record 4.22 at the NFL Combine seven years ago. Ross knows it sounds crazy to say that, but he upped the ante.
“I think I’m faster,” Ross said.
Why does Ross think he’s faster? His mental state of mind is in the right place, no longer having to live up to the pressure of being a top 10 pick in the draft. He’s just John Ross, a wide receiver with the right mentality looking to hit the reset button on his NFL career.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I can run a 4.15 or anything,” Ross said. “I just feel better, so I can consistently be faster. That was my biggest thing. Can this guy go every single day and look the same every single day?
“I feel I’m getting to the point where I can be consistent with my speed. That’s the biggest blessing I can ask for.”
Ross has had quite the journey since being drafted No. 9 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in that 2017 draft. Injuries to his foot, shoulder, and knees hindered Ross’ development in Cincinnati, as he fell quickly out of favor in his four years there. Ross had seven touchdowns in 2018, but never amassed more than 508 yards in a season.
After a year with the New York Giants in 2021, Ross signed a reserve/futures deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2023 before retiring in July. Ross knew immediately he didn’t want his football career to end.
“In my heart, I know who I am,” Ross said. “I knew I made a mistake. I’m in a much better place mentally, physically, and even spiritually. I’m actually thankful it happened.”
Ross admitted he was at his lowest point at times during his football career, but he got to see everything in a different perspective. He never got away from the game, coaching his 7-year-old son Kyrie before deciding to make a comeback in November.
It took seven months and a veteran wide receiver (DeVante Parker) to retire, but…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eagles-john-ross-thinks-hes-faster-than-when-he-set-his-then-record-40-yard-dash-time-at-combine-heres-how/
Author : Jeff Kerr
Publish date : 2024-05-31 12:38:48
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