Dan Ross (American football)

Dan Ross ( born February 9, 1957 in Malden, Massachusetts, USA; † 16 May 2006, Haverhill, Massachusetts) was an American football player.

College Football

Prior to his NFL career, Ross played football at Northeastern University, Boston. He was elected to the first team of the College Football All-America team. He also was one of the most outstanding players who have ever played for Northeastern University. Ross left the University as the all-time leader in receptions (153 ), touchdowns (13) and yards ( 2343 ). He also holds the season record of these categories ( 68 receptions for 988 yards and seven touchdowns ). After Ross left the University, the No. 84 was decommissioned in his honor.

NFL Career

Ross began his professional career in 1979 with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was pulled in the second round to 30th place of the NFL Drafts in 1979 by the Bengals. He was considered one of the best tight ends the League and won with the Bengals 1981 AFC Championship game against the San Diego Chargers with 27:7. Until his career-ending 1986, he played, among others, still with the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers.

Ross scored a total of 263 receptions for 3204 yards and 16 touchdowns in his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. During the Supers Bowls XVI 1982, he presented with 11 receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns a Super Bowl record. Previously, only Jerry Rice and Deion Branch surpass this mark.

Honors

Ross once played in the Pro Bowl, the game selection of the best professional players in a season. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame since 2004. He is the first player at Northeastern University, who received this honor.

Life after football

Ross was president and co-owner of WPWB, an independent TV station in Riviera Beach ( Florida).

Dan Ross collapsed after returning from an evening jog. He died shortly afterwards at the Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill. He leaves behind a wife and two grown children.

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