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.

After redshirting his freshman year, he started three games, and played in the Las Vegas Bowl, where the Mountain West Conference (MWC) champion Utes beat Fresno State by a score of 17–16.

[1] He was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy, which is given to the best interior lineman in college football, after not allowing a sack all season at left tackle.

Gross started every game for the Panthers that season at right tackle, and in fact did not miss a single offensive play, a rarity for many veterans, much less rookies.

[6] On February 19, 2009, the Panthers would sign Gross to a six-year contract, making him one of the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.

[7] In a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on November 15, 2009, Gross broke his ankle, landing him on the injured reserve list and ending his participation in the 2009 NFL season.

[10] He now works for The Panthers Network as a sideline reporter and hosts his own Television broadcast with longtime offensive lineman Travelle Wharton entitled, "This is Gross," on Time Warner Cable Sports channel.