Lions head coach Bobby Ross. (Photo by Joel Rennich. See story slugged LION11.) BPNBPN
In a recent interview with USA Today, former Detroit Lions head coach Bobby Ross revealed he is battling a form of cancer.
Ross, 88, has chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a form of cancer the American Cancer Society describes as “very hard to cure,” but one that patients often live with for many years.
“It is a form of cancer, but it’s not usually thought of as a serious one,” Ross said. “But if your lymph nodes start to grow… then you’ve got to be careful. That’s where I am right now.”
Because of his health, Ross won’t be able to attend Georgia Tech’s season opener against Colorado on Friday. Ross coached the Yellow Jackets to a share of the 1990 national championship.
He also revealed that his wife, Alice, recently had cancer removed.
“It’s been a rough winter for us health-wise,” Ross said.
Ross spent more than 40 years in coaching, including three stints in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions. He served as head coach of both the Chargers and Lions.
After the 1996 season, Ross left San Diego for a lucrative contract and greater control in Detroit. He guided the Lions to two playoff appearances (1997 and 1999), though both ended in Wild Card losses to Tampa Bay and Washington.
Ross resigned midway through the 2000 season following a Week 10 loss to Miami, finishing with a 27-30 record in Detroit. He later returned to the college ranks to coach Army before retiring from coaching.
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