Ex-Bengals draft bust attempting NFL comeback

Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington wide receiver John Ross speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross III is looking to make an NFL comeback.

Ross, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, has been invited to participate in the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie camp this week, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Former #Bengals and #Giants WR John Ross, whose 4.22 40-yard dash was the Combine record until Xavier Worthy broke it this year, will participate in the #Eagles’ rookie camp this week on a tryout basis, sources say. Ross had retired last year but is now exploring a comeback. pic.twitter.com/eGk7qyzemS

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 28, 2024

Ross, who is only 28, signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to last season. He then informed the team in July that he was retiring and did not play in 2023.

Ross is best known for his blazing speed. The former Washington star’s 4.22-second 40-yard dash was the fastest in NFL Combine history until Xavier Worthy broke the record this year.

In four seasons with the Bengals, Ross had just 733 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He only played in 27 games because of injuries, but coaches were openly frustrated with him at times even when he was on the field.

Ross is basically starting from scratch by participating in a rookie camp, but perhaps he will get a training camp invite if he is still in shape.