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).
Early life Ross attended Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Texas. Ross began his high school career as a defensive end before switching to running back.
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. After graduating from Blinn, Ross transferred to Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he had received a football scholarship. In his first game with the Texans, Ross ran for a then-school record 261 yards on just 20 carries.
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. Following the 2013 season, Ross was named first-team All-Arena for the third consecutive season. 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.
Los Angeles KISS On February 20, 2015, Ross was traded to the Los Angeles KISS in exchange for Beau Bell.
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. 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.
AFL statistics Legend AFL record Led the league Bold Career high Year Team Rushing Receiving 2011 Dallas167 622 39 10 89 02012 Philadelphia146 645 32 13 187 52013 Philadelphia153 506 35 13 69 42014 Philadelphia151 487 36 20 198 42015 Jacksonville147 586 33 2 16 02016 Jacksonville108 399 20 6 22 0 Career 872 3,245 195 64 581 13
References
External links Kansas City Chiefs bio