Defensive end Jonathan Ross is returning to the Bay Area Panthers in 2025. The 6-foot-3 game wrecker spent brief time in the Indoor Football League last year, and is now back with a vengeance.
Ross joined the IFL in July of 2024, coming aboard the Panthers under Head Coach Rob Keefe. In his lone campaign with Bay Area, Ross started the final three games, registering 10.5 tackles, 4.5 TFL, one pass breakup and one blocked field goal. He is a true impact player along the defensive front.
Prior to the pros, Ross was a strong contributor for the University of South Florida over two seasons (2022-2023). His best year with the Bulls was in 2023, outputting 47 total tackles, seven TFL, two quarterback sacks and one pass defensed. Overall, he logged 10 TFL and four sacks throughout his career at the FBS level.
Ross also played collegiately for Maryland’s Bowie State University (2019-2021) wherein he was a member of two conference-winning squads for the Bulldogs. In 2019, he was awarded league Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. From there, Ross was especially dominant in 2021 behind 81 tackles, 29 TFL, 10 sacks and six forced fumbles en route to First-Team All-CIAA accolades.
A devout student in the classroom, Ross graduated from Bowie State in 2022 with a degree in Social Work.
Originally, Ross hails from Waldorf, MD. He attended St. Charles High School and was a certified force for the Spartans. Ross produced on the gridiron in prolific fashion, compiling 91 tackles with 19 TFL as a senior in 2017 (warranting All-County recognition). He also achieved the honor roll each year at St. Charles.
Upon Ross re-signing with the Panthers for 2025, Bay Area Head Coach Keefe could hardly contain his excitement. “We are thrilled to have Ross back in the building with us. He is a long-limbed, athletic defensive end with active energy that creates problems for opposing offenses,” exclaimed Coach Keefe.
Given Ross’ abilities, instincts and physical prowess, expect him to provide pivotal playing time going forward. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, entrepreneurial activities and listening to music.
