Aaron Ross apologized to the Jacksonville Jaguars, their fans and the city for joking on Friday that his lone season with the team was like "a nice paid vacation to Florida."

"Jacksonville treated me and my wife with the utmost respect and I really appreciated what they did for me and did for us," Ross said by telephone on Friday afternoon. "The only reason I said the vacation thing is because it was such a short turnaround for me to (come) back home with the Giants, it felt like (being away on) a vacation. I definitely didn’t mean any harm to Jacksonviile city or the fans or disrespect to the organization. I have the utmost respect for that organization."

Aaron Ross apologized to the Jaguars for saying that his season with the team was like "a nice paid vacation to Florida." AP Photo/Bob Leverone

"I really apologize if Jag nation took offense to it," he added. "I loved the opportunity that they gave me, they gave me a second chance to live my dream. They accepted me and my wife (Sanya Richards-Ross) with open arms and they were a fun crowd to be around and the organization was first class and treated us really nice."

Ross left the Giants to sign a three-year, $9.75 million deal with the Jaguars last year. But the cornerback was released by Jacksonville this offseason. He promptly signed to return to the team that drafted him on a one-year deal and cracked that it feels like he just went away for a vacation during an appearance on NFL Network on Friday.

"It was a great experience, a great learning experience," Ross said on NFL Network on Friday morning. "I don’t regret the decision I made. It was a nice paid vacation to Florida, so I definitely wouldn’t take back the decision. I definitely wouldn’t."

Ross explained that he only meant that it felt like a vacation from the standpoint of how long he was gone from New York.

"I didn’t mean literally on vacation as far as not working hard or taking advantage of the Jacksonville nation," said Ross, who thanked Jacksonville for allowing him to travel to London during training camp to watch his wife compete in the Olympics. “They allowed me to go to the Olympics which most organizations wouldn’t even consider that an option. I have no complaints... no regrets. If I had to make the decision again, I would definitely (sign that free agent deal with) Jacksonville."

Ross is excited about being back with the Giants and he hopes to help the Giants secondary and defense bounce back this season after finishing 31st in total defense last year.

The team’s 2007 first-round pick said he will play whatever role the coaching staff asks of him. Corey Webster and Prince Amukamara are expected to be the starting cornerbacks.

"Of course, every NFL player wants to be a starter but I am so excited I got another opportunity to be with the team that I started everything with," Ross said. "The situation is great for me, everybody is there that I won a Super Bowl with. I want to go in and contribute however I can… that is definitely up to the coaches."

Ross is also thrilled to be reunited with his good friend Webster, who is looking to rebound from a tough season.

"I am sure everybody is going in (this season) with a chip on their shoulder," Ross said when asked about Webster. "He wants to perform at a high level at all times. I know Corey personally and we are very close and he wants to be the best corner in the NFL."