Cory Ross

Cory Ross

Cory Ross (born March 28, 1982) is an American former gridiron football running back and coach. He played collegiately at University of Nebraska–Lincoln and had professional stints in the National Football League, Arena Football League, Canadian Football League, and the United Football League. Ross later transitioned into coaching at the collegiate level and in the XFL.

Early life and high school

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Ross attended Kellogg Elementary and progressed through local youth programs before enrolling at Millard North High School. At Millard North he starred in football and track, earning all-state recognition in Nebraska prep competition and drawing attention from regional recruiting programs. High school teammates and opponents from the Nebraska Cornhusker Conference and camps hosted by Nike and Rivals.com highlighted him as a multi-purpose back with kickoff return ability.

College career

Ross matriculated at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program under head coaches Frank Solich and later Bill Callahan. Primarily used as a change-of-pace running back and a kickoff return specialist, he compiled notable all-purpose yardage against opponents such as Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Missouri. He contributed in bowl games including matchups against USC and Michigan State and was listed on postseason watch lists alongside peers recognized by Big 12 Conference honors and ESPN coverage. Ross finished his collegiate career with rushing and return statistics that put him among notable Nebraska special teams contributors.

Professional football career

Ross entered the 2006 NFL Draft and was selected in the seventh round by the Baltimore Ravens. He spent time on the Ravens' roster and practice squad amid competition with running backs from programs such as Ohio State University, Tennessee, and Georgia. In the spring of 2007 he signed with the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League and later moved to the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions, contributing in CFL regular-season contests and postseason play. Ross returned to Nebraska-area professional football with the Omaha Nighthawks and subsequently the Sacramento Mountain Lions in the United Football League, sharing backfield duties with former collegiate and professional athletes from programs like Florida and Penn State. Throughout his pro career he was noted for pass protection, short-yardage rushing, and kick-return snaps against opponents including Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers in CFL matchups.

Coaching and post-playing career

After retiring as a player, Ross moved into coaching and player development. He took roles as a running backs coach and recruiting staffer at Benedictine College, followed by positions on the staff at programs including Kennesaw State University and University of Kansas. He later joined coaching circles connected to professional spring leagues such as the XFL and worked with coaching figures who had ties to NFL coordinators and college football staffs. Ross has also been involved in grassroots camps, high school coaching clinics, and community outreach programs in the Omaha area and the Great Plains region.

Personal life

Ross is a native of Omaha, Nebraska and has maintained ties to the Nebraska football community, participating in alumni events hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and local charitable initiatives with organizations such as United Way of the Midlands. Family connections include relatives active in Nebraska high school athletics, and he has collaborated with former teammates who played for franchises including the Baltimore Ravens and BC Lions. Ross's post-playing interests involve youth coaching, athletic development, and community engagement across Midwestern institutions.

Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:People from Omaha, Nebraska Category:Nebraska Cornhuskers football players Category:Baltimore Ravens players Category:BC Lions players