Clemson football WR Justyn Ross is an elite play-maker. Bleacher Report recently published an article talking about an XFL decision pertaining to Ross.
Bleacher Report recently published an article that went inside the mind of Clemson football’s Justyn Ross, at least a little bit.
Matt Hayes, an analysts for Bleacher Report, talked to Ross, and specifically about the prospect of him joining the XFL.
The XFL is targeting athletes right out of high school and in college who are too young to enter the NFL Draft, but want to get paid for playing football. It’s an ingenious idea from Vince McMahon as he tries to make the league work a second time around.
The league wants players like Justyn Ross, as the Bleacher Report article points out.
Ross’s response?
"“That’s crazy to even think about,” Ross said."
Unfortunately for the XFL, Ross made it very clear that he was not leaving the Clemson football team and that his mother wanted him to get an education, to attain his degree and then move on to professional football.
Though Ross admitted that he was discouraged early on as a freshman when he wasn’t seeing as much playing time, he continued to work hard and that paid off as he progressed through his first season as a freshman.
"“There are guys right now in college football that would take that money and run,” Ross said.Asked if he’d be tempted by it, Ross told Bleacher Report, “Yes and no. Because if you automatically go to a league out of high school, eventually you can get your college education. But at least being on that scholarship for one year, it will give you the idea of how important it is and why you should come back and get your education.“My mom wouldn’t let me do that, anyway. … She’d kill me!”"
Thoughts:
First, I think Ross handled himself in a very professional manner in the interview, answering questions openly and honestly.
You never think about the thoughts that go through the heads of these athletes. The XFL could pay as much as $200,000 a year and that money is nothing to scoff at. Many of these high school and young college athletes aren’t coming from rich upbringings.
A six-figure income is certainly something to consider and, in many cases, I think there’s a chance we see some of these elite prospects head to the XFL.
Putting myself in their shoes, I’d have a tough time turning down $200,000 to play football and develop for the NFL.
But, it’s still good to see players like Justyn Ross choose an education, with his mother’s help. Ross wants to earn that degree and is willing to wait for the payday. Patience is certainly a virtue not taught much in today’s society, but you can definitely see it in some of the elite Clemson football players, and players from around the nation in College Football.