Chiefs WR Justyn Ross had perfect reaction to first big hit in training camp
After taking his first big hit on the practice fields at Missouri Western State University, Kansas City Chiefs WR Justyn Ross had the perfect reaction. "Beautiful," He exclaimed with a smile on his face. "I loved it. I loved it. I couldn't wait." When Ross put on the pads for the first time at Chiefs training […]
After taking his first big hit on the practice fields at Missouri Western State University, Kansas City Chiefs WR Justyn Ross had the perfect reaction.
"Beautiful," He exclaimed with a smile on his face. "I loved it. I loved it. I couldn't wait."
When Ross put on the pads for the first time at Chiefs training camp, it had been over 620 days since he last played contact football. The undrafted receiver didn't participate in padded practices with the Chiefs a season ago after a foot injury landed him on injured reserve at the onset of training camp. The last time he'd worn pads and participated in any measure of contact football was in college with the Clemson Tigers, facing the UConn Huskies.
"It was very exciting," Ross said of getting the pads back on. "I was excited to just get back out there and get to it really."
A serious neck injury derailed Ross' college career shortly after his sophomore season at Clemson. There was a time when he didn't know if he was ever going to be able to strap up his pads or play football again. He worked his way back only to have a foot injury take away his rookie season in Kansas City.
Now healthy, Ross has no question in his mind that he has what it takes to stay healthy and make the team.
"When that time comes, I'm going to be ready," Ross assured reporters.
Fans are convinced that Ross has already secured a spot on the 53-man roster given his flourishing connection with star QB Patrick Mahomes. The second-year wideout remains vigilant, though. He says his only goal for himself as things currently stand is to make the most of his opportunity.
"Just to take advantage of the opportunity," Ross said. "You never know what the future may bring. But right now, I'm just taking it day by day and step by step."
He's certainly not letting any outside expectations influence his mindset as he continues to work toward an opportunity to play in the NFL.
"I actually deleted my Twitter," Ross said. "I try to block out all that stuff. Keep going day by day and stacking good days."
As Ross stacks those good days of practice, he is looking ahead to one specific date — the Chiefs' preseason Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints. There he'll have a chance to actually play in a game for the first time since 2021.
"I'm very excited," Ross said. "I'm ready to go out there, take some hits. Have a great game and win the game."
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Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
