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Dabo Swinney's most impressive phenom playmaker sees sudden end to his NFL career before training camp gets underway

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 7:32 PM ET

One of Clemson's best playmakers from Dabo Swinney's time with the Tigers was supposed to be an elite NFL presence. Justyn Ross made an immediate impact on the Tigers' roster as a freshman, contributing to a National Championship run.

However, Ross' future never looked brighter than after the 2019 season. While most thought he had top-five pick potential after his sophomore season, a neck and spine injury during the 2020 season derailed everything. He returned to Clemson for the 2021 season, but went undrafted due to the injury history.

The former four-star prospect totaled 158 catches for 2,379 yards and 20 touchdowns in three seasons with the Tigers. When the Kansas City Chiefs picked him up, it seemed as though the franchise had landed the ultimate steal for nothing.

However, with only six catches for 53 yards to his name after two seasons and an injury-plagued rookie year, his journey with the Chiefs ended on Wednesday.

The #Chiefs have waived WR Justyn Ross.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 16, 2025

Injuries and a lack of separating ability put Ross behind a deep rotation of more trusted options in Kansas City. His future was sealed when the Chiefs brought Hollywood Brown back and drafted Jalen Royals.

It's disappointing that the star who produced nine catches for 153 yards and a touchdown against Alabama as a freshman hasn't panned out yet, but also impressive he's even made it this far with his injury woes. Hopefully, he'll wind up on a team with an offense more willing to throw him lob passes.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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