Justyn Ross on NFL doubters: ‘Of course I’m ready to prove everyone wrong’

Justyn Ross didn’t hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft but the former Clemson wide receiver recently landed a free agent rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs and believes he has what it takes to make the 53-man roster.

“Of course I’m ready to prove everybody wrong,” Ross said, “but I mean, I’m just trying to feel my spot and play my part on the team, just see what I can do.”

Ross was one of the focal points of the Clemson offense in his first two seasons, hauling in 112 passes for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback for the Tigers.

But last season was a much different story for Justyn Ross and the Clemson offense. The entire unit struggled to move the ball, particularly downfield, and Ross finished the 2021 campaign with just 46 catches for 514 yards and three touchdowns in a season the former Clemson wideout described as ‘frustrating.’

While not getting drafted was obviously a blow for Ross, it also allowed him and his agent to make calls, and the Clemson wideout had some say in where he eventually ended up.

“Just having Pat Mahomes, great quarterback, Andy Reid, great coach,” Ross said during rookie minicamp about choosing KC, via Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star. “The receiver room, it feels like a family here. I’ve only been here for like a day, but they treat me like family.”

Ross also noted that he’s seen fellow former Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins excel in Kansas City’s offense, which made him feel pretty good about the choice.

Chiefs GM gives injury update on Justyn Ross

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach provided an update on Ross’ health and his ability to compete for a spot on the regular season roster, via The Kansas City Star’s Herbie Teope. He declared that the team medically cleared him.

In addition, the executive added that Ross will be given an opportunity to compete throughout the offseason “as long as he stays healthy.” After the Chiefs’ busy flurry of wide receiver additions, he added that “It’ll be a very interesting competition for only 5-6 spots.”

A spring football injury in 2020 led doctors to diagnose Justyn Ross with Klippel-Feil syndrome, something he was born with but slipped through the cracks well into his college career. The freshman standout then returned to play in 2021 after his doctors cleared him to do so, despite a general belief people with his condition should avoid high-impact activities.

Concerns from NFL teams about physicals and long-term health risks likely played a role in his slide out of the draft despite his college production. But Kansas City feels confident in the medical they received and will give him a chance to earn his spot in the NFL.