Jordan Gross

Lore & Background

Gross was born in Nampa, Idaho. He attended Fruitland High School in Fruitland, Idaho, where he was a letterman in football, basketball, and track and field. In football, he was a first-team all-state selection as both an offensive and defensive lineman as a senior, and helped lead his team win the conference championship as a sophomore. In basketball, he won all-conference honors.

He was involved in tae kwon do since age 6, earning a black belt. While at Utah, he played from 1999 to 2002, redshirting his freshman year. He started three games and played in the Las Vegas Bowl as a freshman. He received honorable mention All-MWC in 2000 and 2001, and was first-team All-MWC and consensus All-American in 2002.

He was a finalist for the Outland Trophy. He was drafted 8th overall in 2003 by the Panthers, started every game at right tackle as a rookie, and did not miss a single offensive play. He moved to left tackle in 2004, back to right tackle in 2005. He was named franchise player in 2008, signed a six-year contract in 2009, but broke his ankle in 2009 and missed the rest of the season.

He retired on February 25, 2014. He now works as a sideline reporter for The Panthers Network and co-hosts 'This is Gross' with Travelle Wharton. He was inducted into the Panthers' Hall of Honor in 2019 and named to the Panthers' radio team as a color analyst.

Reader's Guide

Jordan Gross was a dominant offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers, known for his durability and versatility. He started every game as a rookie and allowed only three sacks. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2009 and is now a coach for the Utah Utes.

Did You Know?

• He was the highest-drafted Utah Utes player until Alex Smith in 2005.
• He broke his ankle in a 2009 game against the Atlanta Falcons.