Ross Ventrone

Ross Ventrone (born September 27, 1986) is an American football safety who is currently is currently on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Villanova.

He is the younger brother of current Cleveland Browns and former Patriots safety Ray Ventrone.

Ventrone has become famous for being repeatedly released and re-signed by the Patriots, either to the active roster or the practice squad.

Early years
Ventrone attended Chartiers Valley High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he did not play football until his senior year.

College career
After graduating from high school, Ventrone began his college career as a walk-on at the University of Pittsburgh. He was redshirted in 2005 before working on Pittsburgh's scout team in 2006.

In 2007, Ventrone transferred to Villanova University, his brother Ray's alma mater, where he earned a football scholarship. He played in all 11 games in 2007, finishing third on the team with 64 tackles while also recording five pass break-ups and one interception. As a junior in 2008, Ventrone led the team with four interceptions, along with 61 tackles and a fumble recovery in 13 games played.

Ventrone was part of the Wildcats' NCAA Division I FCS Championship in 2009. He recorded 73 tackles including 53 solo stops, as well as 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

2010 season
After going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, Ventrone was signed by the New England Patriots on April 29, 2010. He played in the team's preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints before being waived on August 15. He was re-signed on August 23, and played in the team's final two preseason games before being waived during final cuts on September 4. He was signed to the Patriots' practice squad on October 19, 2010. He was re-signed to a future contract for the 2011 season on January 18, 2011.

2011 season
Ventrone was signed, promoted, or released 21 times by the Patriots during the season, including eight transactions in November 2011. He played in eight games, in Week 3 against the Buffalo, in Weeks 6 and 8 against the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, and in both games against the New York Jets. He has primarily played special teams, but did play on defense in the Patriots' Week 10 game against the Jets.

2012 season
Ventrone was released on August 26, 2012. the Patriots have signed, promoted, or released him 29 times. On January 2, 2013, Ventrone was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers off-season roster.