Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt Breaks Silence After WR Arrest – A Harsh Reality Check for Kansas City

November 5, 2025 — Kansas City, Missouri

Just days after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs, former wide receiver Justyn Ross was arrested in downtown Kansas City on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct, according to multiple local reports. The news sent shockwaves through the Chiefs organization — and prompted a rare public response from Chiefs owner Clark Hunt himself.

“We’re Talking About a Young Man, Not Just a Football Player”

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, Hunt spoke with calm concern rather than condemnation.

“It’s deeply disappointing, but more than that, it’s sad,” Hunt said. “Justyn is a young man with an incredible story — someone who fought through injury and adversity just to get here. What happened doesn’t erase that. We’re talking about a human being first, not just a football player.”

Witnesses reported that Ross had been seen at a popular bar in the Power & Light District for three consecutive nights following his release on November 1. Multiple patrons described him as “quiet and distant,” spending long hours alone while drinking heavily. Police were called around 10:15 p.m. on November 4 after complaints of shouting and property damage. When officers arrived, Ross reportedly refused to cooperate and was taken into custody after becoming agitated.

A Promising Career, Suddenly Derailed

At just 25 years old, Justyn Ross was once viewed as one of the most promising young receivers in Kansas City — a player who had overcome a career-threatening neck injury at Clemson to make it to the NFL. His journey was one of perseverance and faith.
But injuries, limited playing time, and mounting roster moves left him on the outside looking in this season. His release reportedly came as a shock to the young receiver, who had hoped for one more chance to prove himself.

Hunt acknowledged the emotional toll that abrupt career changes can have on players.

“This sport can take you from the highest point of your life to the lowest in a matter of days,” he said. “When that happens, some players lose their footing. My hope is that Justyn finds his way back — not to the field, but to himself.”

Compassion Over Condemnation

While the Chiefs organization has not released an official team statement, several players — including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce — are said to have reached out privately to Ross, offering encouragement and support.

Hunt emphasized that the team’s focus is on empathy rather than discipline.

“We’re not here to judge him,” Hunt stated. “We’re here to make sure he gets the support he needs. Redemption is real — and if anyone’s earned another chance to fight for it, it’s him.”

Released on Bail, Future in Doubt

Ross was released on bail early Tuesday morning. The case remains under investigation, and while no official charges have been finalized, his NFL future is now uncertain.

For Clark Hunt and the Chiefs organization, the situation serves as a sobering reminder that behind every helmet is a human story — and behind every fall, there’s a chance to rise again.

“Football can be beautiful and brutal all at once,” Hunt concluded. “You can go from the crowd’s roar at Arrowhead to sitting alone wondering what’s next. I just want Justyn to know this: his story isn’t over — and Kansas City hasn’t forgotten him.”