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Irv Cross, who spent nine seasons as an NFL cornerback and later became the first black man to work full-time as a sports analyst on national television, has died at age 81, announced CBS Sports Sunday night. Cross thrived while working in several different roles during his 23 years with CBS Sports.
“All of us at CBS Sports are saddened by the news of the passing of Irv Cross,” CBS Sports President Sean McManus said in a statement. “Irv was a pioneer who made a significant contribution to the legendary history and tradition of CBS Sports and, along with Phyllis George and Brent Musburger, set the standard for NFL pre-game programming with THE NFL TODAY. He was a true gentleman and a pioneer in the world. Sports television industry and his accomplishments and the paths he charted for those who followed him will be remembered. “
Cross was born in Hammond, Indiana in 1939, and attended Northwestern University, where he participated in track and field and football. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 1961 NFL Draft and spent six years in Philadelphia and three with the Rams before hanging up his boots after the 1969 season. Cross made two Pro Bowls and collected 22 assists during his nine seasons in the NFL.
After retiring, Cross worked with the Eagles as an assistant coach, then joined CBS in 1971, when he became the black network’s first sports show host. CBS Sports assembled a team of Musburger, George, Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder and Cross for THE NFL TODAY, which had a big impact on the planning and execution of the pre-game shows.
“He knew it was important for him to do well,” said Clifton Brown, who worked with Cross on his memoir, Carrying the cross, via the official Eagles website. “Irv knew that if the show failed, it might hurt other black athletes to have a similar opportunity. He was carrying that weight and he did it so superbly.
“It’s just a seamless transition now. We’re so used to seeing former athletes on TV. But all of them, especially those who are African American, whether they know it or not, I believe they have. a debt to Irv Cross. “
In 2009, Cross was named the recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. The honor is bestowed annually by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and recognizes “outstanding long-standing contributions to radio and television in professional football,” according to its website.
Humble, hardworking, and insightful in whatever role he filled, Cross was a great TV that will certainly be missed.
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