Richard “Richie” Ross is among the more dynamic football players in UNK history. From 2002-05 he caught 279 passes for 4,882 yards and 50 touchdowns. Each total is not only a school record but also among the best in NCAA Division II history.
The Lincoln High School graduate began his college football career with a bang as his first reception went for 71 yards and a touchdown at rival Nebraska-Omaha. Named the 2002 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Freshman of the Year, his play helped UNK reach the playoffs that season. Also sharing the RMAC title, it was the Lopers first postseason game in 22 years and first-ever Division II playoff appearance.
As a sophomore, Ross was named the 2003 RMAC Offensive Player of the Year. The four-time All-RMAC selection amassed a school record 1,482 receiving yards that fall with his top effort coming at rival Fort Hays State. Ross caught 16 passes in the game for a school-record 317 yards. That figure still is among the highest totals in NCAA game history, all divisions.
A two-time All-American and a three-time all-region pick, Ross helped UNK return to the playoffs in 2005. The Lopers won the RMAC title outright that season and faced Pittsburg State in a home playoff game. Ross had 203 yards against Pitt State; he had 204 yards in a 2002 playoff game against Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Invited to the 2006 NFL Draft Combine, Ross played professionally with the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.
Recently inducted into the Nebraska Black Sports and Lincoln High School Halls of Fame, he currently resides in Lincoln and works in the Lincoln Public School system. He is engaged to Ivana Juresic and is the father to Richard Jr., Quincy and Adrienne.
