Speed of Texans reserve corner D’Angelo Ross makes big difference on special teams, history-making two-pointer

HOUSTON – D’Angelo Ross’ special teams performance was one for the ages against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Texans’ speedy reserve cornerback became the first player in NFL playoff history to return a blocked extra point attempt for two points in the fourth quarter of a 32-12 playoff victory.

Ross displayed his 4.32 speed in the 40-yard dash as he scooped up the football blocked by defensive end Denico Autry and was off to the races as linebacker Neville Hewitt shoved kicker Cameron Dicker to the ground.

Earlier in the game, Ross blocked a punt.

“The special teams unit came up big for us making some impact plays,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Any time special teams can affect the game where it is taking the ball away, blocking the kick, it changes the game drastically.

“Our guys have made some plays throughout the year whether it is executing a fake punt, blocking kicks, getting great returns. It is all about winning that hidden yardage battle and our special teams has done a really good job all year of that.”

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Ross’ rare score was celebrated emphatically by special teams coordinator Frank Ross, who never hides his enthusiasm.

Ross’ score followed Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey’s 86-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.

Dicker tried to knock the football away after the block by Autry, but it ricocheted off his hands and he got deposited on the ground at NRG Stadium for his trouble.

“I wasn’t really looking until I heard the big thump and we got it,” Ross said. “I just see (Ross) pick the ball up and he’s coming towards me. I couldn’t do anything but smile.”

The rule change to allow two points for an extra point returned to the end zone was instituted in 2015. Prior to that, it was a dead ball.

Ross, a former New England Patriots player, played in 10 regular-season games this season for the Texans with two starts. He has recorded a career-high 13 tackles. He has appeared in 51 percent of the special teams snaps, 146 overall, 183 defensive snaps for 29 percent of the playing time.

Ross was hardly tested against the Patriots in his first NFL start and he held up fine, allowing just one relatively short catch against rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

Ross had three tackles.

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Ross had eight tackles in 2023 as one of the NFL’s top-ranked special teams units best contributors in kick coverage under Ross along with Hewitt, who tied for the league lead in special teams tackles.

Ross was promoted to the active roster at the end of the regular season from the practice squad

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.