Derek Ross

Derek Ross (born January 5, 1980 in Rock Hill, South Carolina) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and the Minnesota Vikings. Ross played college football at Ohio State University.

Dallas Cowboys
Ross was drafted in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, after dropping because of character concerns. He was considered a rising player after leading all rookies with five interceptions.

In 2003, he started to have issues with head coach Bill Parcells, losing his nickle back responsibilities and was eventually released, after fumbling twice returning kickoffs, in a Thanksgiving loss against the Miami Dolphins, then proceeding to miss a team run the next day and a mandatory hospital visit.

Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons claimed him off waivers, but he only played in two regular season games for them, and was released before the 2004 season started, after missing more than a week of training camp with knee tendinitis.

New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints claimed him off waivers, but revoked the claim just one day later, after he missed a scheduled flight to New Orleans.

Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings claimed him off waivers and although he was cut before the 2004 season started, he was brought back to play in 9 regular season games, before being released again.

Personal life
In August 2005, Ross was arrested and charged with drug trafficking and conspiracy to traffic drugs.