Derek Ross
No. 20, 25, 21, 37 | |||||||
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Position: | Northwestern (Rock Hill, South Carolina) | ||||||
College: | Ohio State | ||||||
NFL draft: | 2002 / Round: 3 / Pick: 75 | ||||||
Career history | |||||||
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* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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Player stats at NFL.com · PFR |
Derek Ross (born January 5, 1980) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings. He played college football at Ohio State University.
Early years
Ross attended
As a senior, his team finished second in the state with a 12-3 record. He was the South Carolina Offensive Player of the Year and an All-state selection at quarterback, registering 1,671 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, 1,267 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. At cornerback he had 15 career interceptions. He was arrested four times during his high school career.
College career
Ross accepted a football scholarship from
In 1999, he did not play football after being ruled academically ineligible. As a sophomore, he was the team's third cornerback, registering 37 tackles (4 for loss), 2 interceptions and 7 passes defensed. He earned his first start in the 2001 Outback Bowl against the University of South Carolina.
As a junior, he was suspended for spring practice after pleading guilty for driving without a license and providing false information.
He declared for the NFL draft before his senior season.[2] He finished his college career with 217 interception return yards (fourth in school history), 91 tackles, 9 interceptions, 20 passes defensed and 3 blocked punts.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Ross was selected by the
In
Atlanta Falcons
On December 3, 2003, the Atlanta Falcons claimed him off waivers, but he only played in two regular season games. On August 17, 2004, he was released after missing more than a week of training camp with knee tendinitis.[4]
New Orleans Saints
On August 19, 2004, the New Orleans Saints claimed him off waivers, but revoked the claim just one day later, after he missed a scheduled flight to New Orleans.
Minnesota Vikings (first stint)
On August 24, 2004, the Minnesota Vikings signed him as a free agent. He was cut on September 4.
Arizona Cardinals
On September 6, 2004, he was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals, but did not pass the physical exam and was not signed.
Minnesota Vikings (second stint)
On October 13, 2004, he signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 9 regular season games, before being released on December 21.[7]
Personal life
In August 2005, Ross was arrested and charged with drug trafficking and conspiracy to traffic drugs.[8]
References
- ^ "Tressel Rules Ross Out Of Spring Practice". Ohio State University. March 27, 2001.
- ^ "Derek Ross To Forego His Senior Year Of Football Eligibility". Ohio State University. December 6, 2001.
- ^ "2002 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ a b "Falcons' poverty gets them Ross". 4 December 2003. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Parcells sends message to Cowboys by releasing punt returner Ross". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. December 3, 2023.
- ^ "Ross fumbled two returns vs. Miami". 2 December 2003. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Two-year vet heads to fourth team". 24 August 2004. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
- ^ "Ross charged with trafficking marijuana". 20 August 2005. Retrieved February 19, 2023.