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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver John Ross says his son inspired him to return to the NFL one year after retiring from the league.
“I got to see my son every single day, and I think that changed my life, because it just let me know that I don’t have anything to worry about,” Ross said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I got this little boy, inspiring me every day… I can honestly say he pulled me out of a bad place. And again, I’m very thankful.”
NBC Sports Philadelphia @NBCSPhilly
Powerful words from John Ross as he explains how his son inspired him to return to football 😤
The new Eagles WR will fight for a roster spot this summer after retiring a year ago. pic.twitter.com/hmf6195fj3
Ross continued: “Every day, he wants hear how practice is, and that really keeps me in it. I’m already in it for myself, like I said, I wake up every day happy… I actually grew up an Eagles fan, too, so it’s actually crazy. But he calls me every day and keeps me in it for sure.”
Ross, originally a first-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, signed a one-year contract with the Eagles earlier in May.
He was limited by injuries throughout his time in Cincinnati and last played in the NFL in 2021 with the New York Giants, where he made 11 catches for 224 yards and one touchdown in 10 games.
After signing a futures contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, Ross said he was retiring in July 2023, per ESPN’s Adam Teicher.
“I can tell you that my environment wasn’t great,” Ross said about his decision to retire. “So, you kind of got to hone down, and pay attention to what matters to you, and what’s real.”
Ross, who tried out for the team during a previous Philadelphia rookie minicamp, joined the Eagles when a roster spot opened up due to the retirement of DeVante Parker.
He will now join a group of receivers fighting to back up AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith on the Eagles’ wide receiver depth chart.
The team’s current WR3 is Parris Campbell, who saw limited playing time with the Giants last season, so Ross could compete for playing time this summer if he is able to show off the speed that once made him a first-round pick.
