Derrick Ross
American gridiron football player (born 1983)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Derrick Lewis Ross (born December 29, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the Arena Football League (AFL), National Football League (NFL), and NFL Europe. Ross played college football at Blinn College before transferring to Tarleton State University. He is the AFL's all-time leader in carries (872), rushing yards (3,245), and rushing touchdowns (195).[1][2][3]
Huntsville, Texas, U.S.
| No. 4, 39 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Fullback | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born | December 29, 1983 Huntsville, Texas, U.S. | ||||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school | Huntsville | ||||||||||||
| College | Tarleton State | ||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2006: undrafted | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
| Career Arena League statistics | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Early life
Ross attended Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Texas.[4] Ross began his high school career as a defensive end before switching to running back.[4]
College career
Ross started his college football career at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. As a sophomore in 2003, Ross was named first-team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference, as well the conference Offensive MVP.[5] After graduating from Blinn, Ross transferred to Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he had received a football scholarship.[6] In his first game with the Texans, Ross ran for a then-school record 261 yards on just 20 carries.[7]
Professional career
Kansas City Chiefs
Ross played for the Kansas City Chiefs as a backup fullback for the 2006 season. He played in seven games, gaining three yards.
Cologne Centurions
Ross spent a year in Cologne, Germany on the roster of the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe, where he was awarded Co-Offensive MVP alongside J. T. O'Sullivan.
Canadian Football League
Ross spent two years in the CFL With the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Montreal Alouettes as a backup halfback and special teamer.
San Angelo Stampede Express
Ross spent a year in the Indoor Football League for the San Angelo Stampede Express, where he was awarded Rookie of the Year
Dallas Vigilantes
Ross kicked off his AFL career with a one-year contract for the Dallas Vigilantes.
Philadelphia Soul
In 2012, Ross and quarterback Dan Raudabaugh were brought to the Soul, with Ross being signed to a three-year deal.[8] Following the 2013 season, Ross was named first-team All-Arena for the third consecutive season.[9] Also in the same year Ross broke the AFL's leagues all-time rushing record, a record previously held by Bo Kelly. During the Soul's June 7, 2014, game, Ross passed Barry Wagner as the AFL's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns.[10]
Los Angeles KISS
On February 20, 2015, Ross was traded to the Los Angeles KISS in exchange for Beau Bell.[11]
Las Vegas Outlaws
On March 11, 2015, Ross was traded to the Las Vegas Outlaws, along with Lacoltan Bester, for Donovan Morgan.
Jacksonville Sharks
On March 15, 2015, before the start of the 2015 AFL season, Ross was traded to the Jacksonville Sharks in exchange for Undra Hendrix, Jomo Wilson and Nyere Aumaitre. Ross was assigned to the Sharks on October 22, 2015, on a 2-year contract.[12] The Sharks moved to the National Arena League (NAL) in 2017.
Albany Empire
Ross played for the Albany Empire of the NAL in 2021. He was released on July 13, 2021. He was leading the league in carries with 40 and rushing touchdowns with eight at the time of his release.[13][2]