Posted on 05/17/2006 6:31:11 PM PDT by buckeyesrule
Former standout tight end Dan Ross, who spent most of his seven NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and still shares the record for most receptions in a Super Bowl, died Tuesday at age 49.
His death, first reported by the Boston Herald on Wednesday morning, was confirmed by family members and city officials in his hometown of Atkinson, N.H. Ross reportedly collapsed at his home after returning from an evening jog. He was transported to Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, Mass., where he was pronounced dead.
Officials have not yet determined a cause of death.
Ross was the Bengals' second-round choice in the 1979 draft, the 30th player selected overall that year. He earned a starting berth as a rookie and notched 41 catches for 516 yards and one touchdown. In his first five seasons with the Bengals, Ross posted more than 40 receptions every year, and he averaged 51.4 catches and 628.2 yards and scored 16 touchdowns.
His best season was in 1981, when Ross had 71 receptions for 910 yards and five touchdowns. Following that season, in a Super Bowl XVI loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he had 11 catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns. The 11 receptions remain a Super Bowl record shared by Jerry Rice of the 49ers and Deion Branch of the New England Patriots.
Ross left the Bengals following the 1983 season to sign with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL. He returned to Cincinnati in 1985 and split that season between the Bengals and Seattle Seahawks. His final season in the NFL was in 1986 with the Green Bay Packers.
In 104 regular-season games, Ross had 290 receptions for 3,419 yards and 19 touchdowns. He appeared in the 1983 Pro Bowl game.
Bengals president Mike Brown said Wednesday that Ross was "a tremendous player" and a big factor in making their first Super Bowl appearance.
"He and Kenny Anderson timed up so well in the passing game, and his catches that year were our team record for many years," Brown said. "Beyond that, and more importantly, Dan was a special person. He was held in high regard by everyone around here. It is stunning news that he is gone so prematurely."
A former Northeastern standout and a two-time college All-American, Ross had his number retired by the school following his graduation. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
He still holds the Northeastern record for receptions in a season with 68 and is second on the all-time list in career receptions and yards receiving.
"His specialty was attracting crowds and still hanging onto the football," the university said in a statement. "His tremendous power, concentration, hands, blocking ability and open field running added up to one of the most exciting athletes to ever take the gridiron in New England."
Ross is survived by his wife, Joan, and two children Dan Jr., 22, and Jillian, 23.
ping
sounds like a heart condition. Prayers for him and his family.
RIP.
RIP.
What a shame. He was a young man who appeared to be in good health. We just never know when our time is up. Prayers go out to his wife and children. May God comfort them and give them strength in the difficult days ahead.
sorry I was updating my list :)
But Ultra picked me up....
Cavs 86 Pistons 84..yeah!!
LOL
Are you on my college football pinglist? I saw we posted the same thread about the ABC Schedules.....
My brother has tickets for the Penn State game but unfortunately my sister in law is getting married that day. So I will only be going to the Michigan game this year :)
He was the only one of the 3 players who did not receive the Super Bowl MVP honors for his 11 receptions during the Superbowl.
A shame. He was way too young.
He was the TE on my Statis Pro Football team.
Probably because they lost. They fell behind 20-0 at halftime and that was too much to overcome.
RIP and WHO DEY!
Say hello to Paul Brown for us will ya?
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