Aaron Ross

Aaron Jermaine Ross (born in hartford wiSeptember 15, 1982) is an American football cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Texas Longhorns from 2003 to 2006, winning the Jim Thorpe Award for the nation's top defensive back in 2006. He was named the defensive “most valuable player” of the 2006 Alamo Bowl.

Early years
Ross attended John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas, where he competed as quarterback, wide receiver and running back in his three-year career under coach Allen Wilson. He was named second-team Class 5A All-State after posting six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, three blocked kicks and allowing just one touchdown reception as a senior in 2001. As a junior, he returned a fumble and a blocked punt for a score, adding 350 rushing yards (on 46 carries) and five touchdowns and caught five passes for 200 yards and two scores that year. His career-high of 362 all-purpose yards came against Katy High School in 2001. Ross also registered three interceptions while rushing for a touchdown against Fair Park High School that season. His best game was against Marshall High School, when he amassed 272 all-purpose yards, rushed for two touchdowns and had an interception. As a sophomore, Ross played at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio, Texas. There he rushed for 486 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 382 yards and three scores on offense. He also intercepted five passes and blocked ten kicks. During his time at both schools, he lettered four times as a sprinter in track & field and twice in basketball.

College career
Ross enrolled at Texas in 2002, but was academically ineligible to play. He played in thirteen games behind Nathan Vasher at left cornerback in 2003, coming up with 27 tackles (23 solos), a stop for a loss and two pass break-ups. He shared right cornerback duties with Tarell Brown in 2004, appearing in twelve contests. He recorded 36 tackles (28 solos) with an interception and three pass break-ups. He also averaged 7.6 yards on 18 punt returns.

As a junior, Ross earned All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention. He started two games at cornerback and ranked tenth in the nation with a 14.7-yard average on 34 punt returns, returning two for touchdowns. He also had three interceptions with nine pass break-ups. He ranked seventh on the team with 62 tackles (35 solos), adding two stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Finally a full-time starter in 2006, Ross made the most of this opportunity. He earned All-American and All-Big 12 Conference first-team honors, in addition to being named the Thorpe Award winner (nation’s top defensive back). The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year ranked third on the squad with 80 tackles (59 solos). He added a sack, two stops for losses and 19 pass deflections. He caused three fumbles, recovered two and picked off six passes. He also scored once while averaging 10.4 yards on 23 punt returns.

In 51 games at Texas, Ross started 15 times. He registered 205 tackles (145 solos) with a one-yard sack, five stops for losses of 21 yards and a quarterback pressure. He caused three fumbles and recovered two others, returning one for a touchdown. Ross batted away 33 passes and intercepted ten others for 111 yards in returns (11.1 avg). He also returned 76 punts for 893 yards (11.8 avg) and three scores, adding 53 yards on a pair of kickoff returns (26.5 avg).

Ross was part of a Texas Drecruiting class, which contained future NFL players Rodrique Wright, Justin Blalock, Brian Robison, Kasey Studdard, Lyle Sendlein, David Thomas, Selvin Young, and Vince Young. This class, cited as one of the strongest college recruiting classes ever, won the 2005 National Championship.

Ross was able to top off his career at Texas by winning the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top collegiate defensive back.

New York Giants
Ross was drafted in the first round (20th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He was one of seven Longhorns selected by professional football teams in the 2007 NFL Draft. The others were Michael Griffin (number 19 overall), Justin Blalock (number 39 overall), Tim Crowder (number 56 overall), Brian Robison (number 102 overall), Tarell Brown (number 147 overall), Kasey Studdard (number 183 overall). Lyle Sendlein and Selvin Young were not drafted but signed with NFL teams as free agents. He had first and second career interceptions against the New York Jets, returning his second for his first career touchdown in the same game. As a rookie, Ross recorded 42 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 9 passes defended and 3 interceptions which he returned a total of 51 yards including a 43 yard touchdown. Ross helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLII by starting at corner, recording 12 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss and a pass defended in the Giants 4 playoff games. In his second NFL Season he recorded 52 tackles, 4.0 tackles for a loss, 8 passes defended and three interceptions (58 return yards including a 50 yard TD). He was placed on injured reserve on December 31, 2009. Ross has recorded 200 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 33 passes defended, 10 interceptions in 65 NFL games (41 starts). When teammate Terrell Thomas was placed on injured reserve prior to the 2011 regular season, Ross was named the starter at right cornerback.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Ross signed a three-year $15.3 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 20, 2012.

Personal life
Ross's wife is Sanya Richards-Ross, a quadruple Olympic gold medalist. The wedding took place on February 26, 2010 and was featured on an episode of WE TV's Platinum Weddings.