Hall of Fame
While attending Mississippi Valley State, Ambrose became one of the most electrifying performers in NCAA history. He attacked opposing teams as a defender, a punt returner, a kickoff returner and was always a threat to return a kick, punt return or an interception for a touchdown.
Ambrose proved early that he was a shutdown cornerback during the 1989 season when his five interceptions helped MVSU lead the NCAA with 25 total interceptions. In 1989, Ambrose’s 12 tackles helped Mississippi Valley State set an NCAA record in kick-off coverage allowing only 526 total yards for the season.
During the 1990 season Ambrose proved that he was electric with the ball in his hands. In an epic 38-20 upset victory over Grambling State he returned six kicks for 220 yards a 81-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Ambrose would maintain this momentum into the 1991 season when he helped MVSU defeat Jackson State in a thriller at the Magnolia Bowl Classic.
Ambrose would be selected as the game’s Most Valuable Player. During that same season he helped MVSU lead the NCAA in punt return yard average. In 1991 Ambrose would win individual honors as the NCAA statistical champion in punt return yard average (18.3).
He would go on to a brilliant career in the NFL after the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the 2nd Round (29th overall pick). Ambrose enjoyed 13 stellar years with the Indianapolis Colts, the New Orleans Saints, the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ambrose’s best season came with the Bengals during the 1996 season when his eight interceptions landed him on the Associated Press All-Pro Team. He was later selected by his peers as a Pro Bowl starter and was also selected as the NFL Alumni AFC Defensive Back of the Year.