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Aaron Ross
Aaron Ross
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Aaron Jermaine Ross (born September 15, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He won a college football national championship in 2005 with the Texas Longhorns and the 2006 Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. Ross was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft. He won Super Bowls XLII and XLVI with the Giants.

Key Information

Ross also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns.

Early life

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Ross attended John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas, where he competed as quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back and running back in his three-year career under coach Allen Wilson. He was named second-team Class 5A All-State after posting six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, three blocked kicks and allowing just one touchdown reception as a senior in 2001. As a junior, he returned a fumble and a blocked punt for a score, adding 350 rushing yards (on 46 carries) and five touchdowns and caught five passes for 200 yards and two scores that year. His career-high of 362 all-purpose yards came against Katy High School in 2001. Ross also registered three interceptions while rushing for a touchdown against Fair Park High School that season. His best game was against Marshall High School, when he amassed 272 all-purpose yards, rushed for two touchdowns and had an interception. As a sophomore, Ross played at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio, Texas. There he rushed for 486 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 382 yards and three scores on offense. He also intercepted five passes and blocked ten kicks. During his time at both schools, he lettered four times as a sprinter in track & field and twice in basketball.

College career

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Ross during his tenure with the Texas Longhorns in 2006

Ross enrolled at Texas in 2002, but was academically ineligible to play. He played in thirteen games behind Nathan Vasher at left cornerback in 2003, coming up with 27 tackles (23 solos), a stop for a loss and two pass break-ups. He shared right cornerback duties with Tarell Brown in 2004, appearing in twelve contests. He recorded 36 tackles (28 solos) with an interception and three pass break-ups. He also averaged 7.6 yards on 18 punt returns. At the end of the season, he won the first of two Rose Bowl Championships

As a junior, Ross earned All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention. He started two games at cornerback and ranked tenth in the nation with a 14.7-yard average on 34 punt returns, returning two for touchdowns. He also had three interceptions with nine pass break-ups. He ranked seventh on the team with 62 tackles (35 solos), adding two stops behind the line of scrimmage. He helped the Longhorns to win the 2005 National Championship.

Finally a full-time starter in 2006, Ross made the most of this opportunity. He earned All-American and All-Big 12 Conference first-team honors, in addition to being named the Thorpe Award winner (nation's top defensive back). The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year ranked third on the squad with 80 tackles (59 solos). He added a sack, two stops for losses and 19 pass deflections. He caused three fumbles, recovered two and picked off six passes. He also scored once while averaging 10.4 yards on 23 punt returns.

In 51 games at Texas, Ross started 15 times. He registered 205 tackles (145 solos) with a one-yard sack, five stops for losses of 21 yards and a quarterback pressure. He caused three fumbles and recovered two others, returning one for a touchdown. Ross batted away 33 passes and intercepted ten others for 111 yards in returns (11.1 avg). He also returned 76 punts for 893 yards (11.8 avg) and three scores, adding 53 yards on a pair of kickoff returns (26.5 avg). He finished his career by winning the 2006 Alamo Bowl and being named the games defensive MVP.

Ross was part of a Texas recruiting class which contained future NFL players Rodrique Wright, Justin Blalock, Brian Robison, Kasey Studdard, Lyle Sendlein, David Thomas, Selvin Young, and Vince Young.[1] This class, cited as one of the strongest college recruiting classes ever,[2] won the 2005 National Championship.

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+12 in
(1.84 m)
193 lb
(88 kg)
32+38 in
(0.82 m)
9 in
(0.23 m)
4.54 s 1.58 s 2.63 s 4.15 s 6.67 s 34.0 in
(0.86 m)
9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)
17 reps
All values from NFL Combine[3][4]

New York Giants (first stint)

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Ross and Corey Webster at training camp in 2010

Ross was selected in the first round (20th overall) of the 2007 NFL draft by the New York Giants.[5] He was one of seven Longhorns selected by professional football teams in the 2007 NFL draft. The others were Michael Griffin (number 19 overall), Justin Blalock (number 39 overall), Tim Crowder (number 56 overall), Brian Robison (number 102 overall), Tarell Brown (number 147 overall), Kasey Studdard (number 183 overall).[6] Lyle Sendlein and Selvin Young were not drafted but signed with NFL teams as free agents.[7]

He had first and second career interceptions in week five against the New York Jets, returning his second for his first career touchdown in the same game. As a rookie, Ross recorded 42 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 9 passes defended and 3 interceptions which he returned a total of 51 yards including a 43-yard touchdown. Later that year, Ross helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLII by starting at corner, recording 12 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss and a pass defended in the Giants' four playoff games. The team beat the New England Patriots in that game.[8]

In his second NFL season in 2008, Ross recorded 52 tackles (4 for loss), 8 passes defended and 3 interceptions (58 return yards including a 50-yard TD).[9] The Giants went 12–4 that year, good for the best record in the NFC, but fell to the rivaled Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round of the 2008–09 NFL playoffs.[10]

Ross missed the first 9 games of the 2009 season due to an injured hamstring. He returned in November to play 4 games before re-injuring the hamstring in mid-December. The Giants, despite being out of the playoff picture, ultimately placed Ross on the injured reserve list on December 31, 2009, just days before the final game of the season.[11]

Just prior to the 2011 campaign, Ross's teammate Terrell Thomas was placed on injured reserve, which landed Ross the starting job for the season. The Giants would go on to win Super Bowl XLVI that season against the Patriots again.[12]

Jacksonville Jaguars

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The Jacksonville Jaguars signed cornerback Ross to a three-year, $15 million contract during the March free agency period in 2012.[13] The transition to Jacksonville was difficult for Ross, who won two Super Bowls in New York, as the Jaguars finished 2–14, tied for the league's worst record.

His brief tenure in Jacksonville saw Ross battling through injuries and struggling in coverage. Ross drew the ire of Jaguars fans by describing his time in Jacksonville as "a nice paid vacation to Florida". He later apologized.[14]

Ross was released after the start of free agency on March 8, 2013, by newly hired general manager Dave Caldwell.[15]

New York Giants (second stint)

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Ross signed with the Giants on March 12, 2013, just four days after being released by the Jaguars.[16]

Ross was placed on injured reserve after week 4 of the 2013 NFL season with a back injury, and his season was over.[17]

Baltimore Ravens

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On June 20, 2014, Ross signed with the Baltimore Ravens.[18] On July 24, 2014, Ross tore his Achilles tendon, ending his season.[19]

Cleveland Browns

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Ross signed with the Cleveland Browns on August 16, 2015.[20] He was released by the Browns on August 31, 2015.[21]

NFL statistics

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Year Team Games Combined Tackles Tackles Assisted Tackles Sacks Interceptions Interception Return Yards Yards per Interception Return Longest Interception Return Passes Defended
2007 NYG 15 42 35 7 1.5 3 51 17 43 9
2008 NYG 15 52 46 6 0.0 3 58 19 50 8
2009 NYG 4 10 8 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 NYG 15 36 25 11 1.0 0 0 0 0 4
2011 NYG 16 60 46 14 0.0 4 19 5 19 12
2012 JAX 14 46 37 9 0.0 0 0 0 0 3
2013 NYG 4 4 4 0 0.0 1 9 9 9 5
Career 83 250 201 49 2.5 11 137 12 50 41

Personal life

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During his early days at Texas in 2003,[22] Ross began dating Longhorn track and field star, Sanya Richards-Ross, who is a 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist. The two were engaged in 2007 and married on February 26, 2010. Their wedding was featured on an episode of Platinum Weddings.[23] The pair welcomed their first child, Aaron Jermaine Ross II, in 2017, and announced in July 2023 that they were expecting their second child, later revealed to be a boy in September 2023.[24]

His life with Sanya was partially chronicled in the weekly reality series Sanya's Glam and Gold.[25][26] Sanya formerly appeared on The Real Housewives of Atlanta as a full-time cast member for season 14 and season 15.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Aaron Jermaine Ross (born September 15, 1982) is a former cornerback who played in the () for nine non-consecutive seasons. He played for the , where he won the as the nation's top in 2006, and was drafted by the in the first round (20th overall) of the . Ross spent most of his professional career with the Giants (2007–2011, 2013), winning Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, and also played for the (2012), (2014), and (2015). Over 83 games, he recorded 11 interceptions and 309 combined tackles. He retired after the 2015 season.

Early career

Early life

Aaron Ross was born on September 15, 1982, in , , to parents Cheryl Ross and Aaron Yates. His mother, only 17 years old at the time of his birth, had shown promise as a track athlete, while his father excelled as a football player during . Ross, nicknamed "A.J." after his middle name Jermaine, grew up in a sports-focused household alongside his older brother James and spent significant time during his early years with his grandmother Linda Ross in Chandler, . Ross began his high school football career at Fox Tech High School in . As a sophomore in 1998, he played both and , contributing to a 7-4 team record and a playoff appearance. The following summer, amid behavioral challenges, his parents decided to transfer him to John Tyler High School in , a move that distanced him from local influences in . At , Ross developed into a versatile athlete, competing on both sides of the ball as , , , and under coach Carl Madison. He earned all-district honors as a during his junior and senior years, and as a senior in 2001, he received second-team All-State recognition on defense, leading the team with six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and three blocked kicks while helping the Lions reach the Class 5A Division II state title game. Following his high school career, Ross committed to the University of Texas.

College career

Aaron Ross enrolled at the in 2001, signing a to play for the Longhorns under . He developed into a key for the team, appearing in 50 games from 2003 to 2006 and contributing to 44 victories, including four bowl wins. As a junior in 2005, Ross helped the Longhorns secure the BCS with a 41–38 victory over USC in the Rose Bowl, part of Texas's title that season. In his senior year of 2006, he emerged as one of the nation's top cornerbacks, recording 80 tackles, 5 interceptions during the regular season (tying for the Big 12 lead), and a team-high 23 passes defended, leading the nation in the latter category. Including a key interception in the win over , his season total reached 6 interceptions. Ross's outstanding 2006 performance earned him the as the nation's top , Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors, and consensus first-team All-American recognition. He was also named Defensive MVP of the after his helped secure a 26–24 victory. Entering the NFL Draft, Ross participated in the 2007 , bolstering his status as a projected first-round pick.

NFL career

New York Giants (2007–2011)

Aaron Ross was selected by the with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the out of the University of Texas. He signed a five-year contract worth $13.5 million, including $8 million in guaranteed money. As a , Ross appeared in 15 games, starting nine, and recorded 42 combined tackles, three interceptions for 51 yards and one touchdown, helping anchor the Giants' secondary during their playoff run. In , Ross contributed to the Giants' 17–14 upset victory over the undefeated , playing through a shoulder injury and providing tight coverage on , including nearly intercepting a pass intended for late in the game. His efforts were part of a defensive performance that limited the Patriots' high-powered offense, securing New York's first title in franchise history since 1990. During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Ross established himself as a consistent starter, playing all 15 games and recording 52 tackles and three interceptions—including a 50-yard pick-six return for a touchdown against the in November 2008—before a sidelined him for most of 2009, limiting him to four games. In 2010, he appeared in 15 games but started only one amid ongoing issues and a shift to a role, tallying 36 tackles while helping stabilize the secondary. Ross's 2011 season marked a resurgence, as he started 15 of 16 games, notching 60 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions despite dealing with a early in the year. His performance bolstered the Giants' defense during their second Super Bowl-winning campaign in four years, though his rookie contract expired, leading to his departure as a after the season. Over his first stint with the Giants from 2007 to 2011, Ross played a key role in building a championship-caliber defense that reached the playoffs twice, including two victories, by providing reliable play and timely turnovers that disrupted opposing passing attacks.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2012)

After being released by the New York Giants following the 2011 season, Aaron Ross signed a three-year, $9.75 million contract with the as an unrestricted on March 21, 2012. The deal represented an opportunity for Ross to secure a starting role in a secondary needing experience, though the transition from a contending Giants team—where he had contributed to two victories—proved challenging amid Jacksonville's rebuilding efforts. Ross competed for the starting position opposite Derek Cox during and preseason, ultimately earning the role as the left for much of the season. He appeared in 14 games, starting nine, and logged 670 defensive , which accounted for 59% of the team's total defensive plays. His statistical output included 46 total tackles (37 solo), three passes defended, and no interceptions, reflecting a solid but unremarkable performance in a defense that struggled to generate turnovers. Notable moments included a near-interception against the in Week 3 that was nullified by a roughing-the-passer penalty, highlighting his coverage skills in divisional matchups despite the Jaguars' overall defensive woes. The Jaguars' 2012 season was marked by significant struggles, finishing with a 2–14 record that tied for the worst in the and last place in the . Under first-year head coach , the team underwent coaching changes and faced injuries across the roster, contributing to a defense that ranked 27th in points allowed (27.8 per game) and last in the league in interceptions with just six total. Ross adapted to a scheme emphasizing zone coverage but noted the difficulties of playing in a non-contending environment, where the secondary was often exposed by potent passing attacks from divisional foes like the Houston Texans and . Following the season, the Jaguars released Ross on , 2013, as part of a secondary overhaul, allowing him to enter free agency once more. Seeking a return to a competitive team, Ross prioritized reuniting with the Giants, citing the desire for meaningful games over financial security in a rebuilding situation. His tenure in Jacksonville thus served as a transitional chapter, underscoring the challenges of maintaining elite performance amid franchise instability.

New York Giants (2013)

After spending one season with the , Aaron Ross returned to the , signing a one-year contract worth $780,000, including a $65,000 signing bonus, on March 12, 2013, to provide veteran depth in the secondary following injuries and departures from the previous year. This reunion allowed Ross, a key contributor to the Giants' victories in 2008 and 2012, to rejoin a familiar defensive scheme under coordinator . Ross embraced a role upon his return, focusing on mentoring younger cornerbacks such as and Jayron Hosley, while serving as a rotational player to support starters and Amukamara amid ongoing depth concerns in the secondary. In the early weeks of the season, he appeared in four games, starting two, and recorded four solo tackles, five passes defended, and one . His standout moment came in Week 3 against the on September 22, where he intercepted a pass from quarterback in the third quarter, returning it nine yards to help set up a Giants in a 38-0 rout. However, Ross struggled in coverage at times, allowing completions on several targets, including a notable performance in Week 1 against the where he contributed one pass defended but was part of a secondary that surrendered 415 passing yards. Ross's season was cut short by a back injury sustained in Week 4 against the on September 29, leading to his placement on injured reserve on October 5, , after which he underwent surgery and missed the remainder of the year. The Giants' defense, hampered by multiple injuries in the secondary, finished the season allowing 252.5 passing yards per game, contributing to the team's overall 7-9 record and failure to qualify for the for the fourth consecutive year. As an unrestricted following the expiration of his contract, Ross was not re-signed by the Giants in the 2014 offseason as the team pursued adjustments and younger talent.

Baltimore Ravens (2014)

On June 20, 2014, Aaron Ross signed a one-year, $855,000 contract with the to provide veteran depth at behind starters Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith. The 31-year-old former first-round pick, who had spent the previous season with the , was expected to compete for a rotational role amid the team's efforts to bolster a secondary that had shown inconsistencies. However, Ross's tenure was cut short before the regular season began. During the opening day of training camp on July 24, 2014, Ross suffered a torn while running a conditioning test, an injury that sidelined him for the entire season. He did not appear in any preseason or regular-season games and was placed on injured reserve, marking another injury setback in a career plagued by health issues. The , who finished the 2014 regular season with a 10-6 record and earned a wild-card playoff berth, advanced past the in the wild-card round but were eliminated by the in the divisional round. Ross's absence contributed to ongoing vulnerabilities in the ' secondary, which ranked near the bottom of the league in pass defense, allowing an average of 249 yards per game through the air and cycling through multiple cornerbacks due to injuries. The unit's struggles were particularly evident in the playoff loss to , where quarterback exploited the depleted depth for 350 passing yards and three touchdowns. Ross became an unrestricted following the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

Cleveland Browns (2015)

Ross signed with the Cleveland Browns on August 16, 2015, to a one-year contract worth $870,000 after missing the entire 2014 season due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained during training camp with the Baltimore Ravens. In training camp and the preseason, Ross vied for a rotational role at cornerback, drawing on his experience as a two-time Super Bowl champion to mentor younger players and contribute in sub-packages. However, lingering effects from his injury hampered his burst speed, making it challenging to match quicker receivers in coverage during drills and exhibition games. He appeared in at least two preseason contests, logging limited snaps and registering one tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns waived Ross on August 31, 2015, as part of final roster reductions to comply with the league's 53-player limit, prior to the regular season opener. Ross did not join another team after his release and retired from professional football in 2015 at age 32, later citing the cumulative physical demands of the sport and a desire to prioritize family life alongside his wife, Olympic track star . In subsequent interviews, he expressed appreciation for his eight-year NFL journey, highlighting the two rings earned with the as cherished accomplishments.

Career statistics and achievements

Over his seven-season NFL career from 2007 to 2013, Aaron Ross appeared in 83 regular-season games with 52 starts, recording 250 total tackles (201 solo, 49 assisted), 11 interceptions for 137 return yards, 41 passes defended, and 2.5 sacks. He also fumbled three times but had no recoveries or forced fumbles credited in official defensive statistics. Including postseason play, Ross participated in 92 total games, contributing 26 combined tackles across nine playoff appearances. The following table summarizes Ross's year-by-year defensive statistics:
SeasonTeamGames (Starts)Tackles (Solo/Assisted)Interceptions (Yards)Passes DefendedSacks
2007NYG15 (9)42 (35/7)3 (51)91.5
2008NYG15 (15)52 (46/6)3 (58)80.0
2009NYG4 (1)10 (8/2)0 (0)00.0
2010NYG15 (1)36 (25/11)0 (0)41.0
2011NYG16 (15)60 (46/14)4 (19)120.0
2012JAX14 (9)46 (37/9)0 (0)30.0
2013NYG4 (2)4 (4/0)1 (9)50.0
Career83 (52)250 (201/49)11 (137)412.5
Ross's most productive seasons came during his initial stint with the New York Giants, where he led the team in interceptions in 2007 (three), 2008 (three), and 2011 (four), including a pick-six in the 2011 regular season. His 11 interceptions with the Giants rank among the franchise's top performers for cornerbacks in the 2000s, highlighting his ball-hawking ability in zone coverage schemes. Ross earned two Super Bowl championships with the Giants, contributing to their upset victories in (2008 season) over the undefeated and (2012 season) against the same opponent, where he started and recorded three tackles in the latter game despite playing through injury. He was not selected to a but served as an alternate in 2008 following his strong rookie campaign. Ross's legacy centers on his pivotal role in bolstering the Giants' secondary during their improbable Super Bowl runs, providing veteran stability and turnover creation that complemented elite pass rushers like and . His development under defensive coordinator influenced the growth of New York's young defensive backs, emphasizing physical play and opportunistic reads that were key to containing high-powered offenses in high-stakes games.

Post-NFL life

Personal life

Aaron Ross married , a four-time Olympic gold medalist in , on November 13, 2010, after first meeting her as freshmen at the in 2003. The couple, who began dating shortly after their initial encounter in a campus dining hall, have balanced demanding athletic careers with building a family, with Ross often crediting their shared experiences as student-athletes for strengthening their partnership. Their family includes three sons: Aaron Jermaine Ross II, born on August 12, 2017; Asani Legend Archibald Ross, born in December 2023; and Air Zion Ross, born on July 1, 2025. Ross has emphasized the challenges of coordinating family life around NFL travel and training, noting that his 2015 retirement allowed greater focus on parenting and supporting his wife's post-athletic endeavors. Following his NFL retirement, Ross and his family have resided primarily in the Austin, Texas, area, including in Round Rock, while maintaining close ties to his San Antonio roots where he was born and raised. In philanthropy, Ross has been actively involved in youth football camps, hosting annual events in San Antonio to mentor young athletes and promote sportsmanship, often paired with charity basketball games to raise community funds. He collaborates with his wife's initiatives, including support for the Sanya Richards-Ross Foundation, which empowers youth through education, sports, and wellness programs, with a shared emphasis on mental health awareness for athletes transitioning from professional sports. As a devout Christian, Ross engages in faith-based activities, drawing on his beliefs to guide family life and community involvement in , where he participates in local events fostering spiritual and personal growth among youth.

Business ventures

After retiring from the NFL in 2015, Aaron Ross shifted his focus to , leveraging his athletic background and public profile to build ventures centered on service and lifestyle products. He founded Ross Elite Chauffeur Service in , in 2016, starting with a small fleet and expanding to oversee 18 vehicles by 2019 through acquisitions and partnerships, such as with ATX Limousines, aiming to evolve into a full operation for travel and events. In 2023, Ross co-founded Coordinates, a with his wife , specializing in high-quality matching family pajamas, sleepwear, and loungewear designed to foster family bonding and celebrate special occasions like holidays. The brand emphasizes creativity and unity, offering coordinated sets for adults, children, and even pets, with collections inspired by themes such as and pride. Coordinates gained significant exposure through an appearance on Season 16, Episode 7, which aired in December 2024. Ross and his wife pitched the brand seeking $100,000 for 10% equity, highlighting $55,000 in sales over three months from their collection and $25,000 from a single month's line, with production costs of $27 per set sold at $89. They secured a deal with investor for $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity, which provided capital for scaling operations and markedly increased brand visibility. Beyond Coordinates, Ross has pursued investments in , particularly in Austin, where he owns properties and has incorporated them into his portfolio as stable assets post-athletic career. He has also taken on advisory roles with sports-related startups and collaborated on programs supporting transitions to civilian life, drawing from his own experiences moving from professional football to business ownership. By 2025, Coordinates expanded post-, launching additional holiday lines and achieving rapid sell-outs of featured products, with ongoing online growth through promotions like a 2024 sale offering up to 30% discounts; the brand continues to operate successfully via its platform.

References

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