Western DB Ross impresses AFCA with commitment to community service

Western Illinois cornerback J.J. Ross is one of 136 nominees for the annual Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)

By Barry Bottino

In less than two years on the job, head coach Myers Hendrickson has made community engagement a pillar of the Western Illinois football program.

The American Football Coaches Association has taken notice.

WIU senior cornerback J.J. Ross, a Cincinnati native, was one of 63 collegiate players in the combined category of FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA athletes named July 11 as a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which recognizes players who invest time in their communities.

“Being able to reach out and help others, that’s really all I’m about,” Ross told Prairie State Pigskin. “It just feels good. It’s an honor to be one of the nominees.”

Ross, the team’s top cornerback, led Western last season in interceptions (two) and pass breakups (six) last season.

Off the field, he has embraced visiting local schools, including St. Paul School in Macomb and Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary in nearby Bushnell.

“Seeing them smile, dancing with them and making their day, that’s what it’s all about,” Ross said.

Connecting with young fans reminds Ross of growing up in Ohio and having an older brother and graduates of his high school to lean on as a young athlete.

“I was there once growing up, seeing someone I looked up to and being excited to see them,” he said. “It’s a surreal feeling.”

Beyond college, Ross said helping others is something he plans to continue.

“One hundred percent,” he said. “I like helping people more than helping myself. It makes me feel better. That’s something I’m going to continue doing until I leave this earth.”

Hendrickson, who nominated Ross for the honor, has been impressed by the senior’s commitment to the community.

“He’s a shining example for our university, for our football program and for our whole athletic department,” Hendrickson said.

A panel of former Good Works Team members will vote on the final 22-member team from the 136 total nominees, including those in FBS. The team will be announced in September.

Fans will then vote for a team “captain” among the 22 team members.

Ross has certainly made new fans, and has helped WIU football advance the sport, according to Hendrickson.

“These kids come to our games,” he said. “When a kid sees J.J. at the elementary school, that could be the influence for them to go out for football.”

Along with building good rapport, Ross also could be meeting some future Leathernecks.

“There definitely will be some, for sure,” he said.

Find us on social media!

(Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSPigskin

Facebook: Prairie State Pigskin)