Irv Cross intercepted passes on the field and broke major barriers in the broadcast booth, forever changing how fans experience Sunday football.
Football Bio
JULY 27, 1939 – Hammond, Indiana – Cornerback Irv Cross of the Northwestern teams from 1958 to 1960 was born. According to a post on Yahoo.com, Irv was selected as the 98th overall pick in the 1961 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
During his NFL career, he played for not only the Eagles but also the LA Rams. His career numbers included 22 interceptions and many passes that were defended.
Cross was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1964 and 1965, but he may be best known for his role as an analyst and commentator on CBS’s The NFL Today from 1975 to 1990.
Irv Cross was the first African-American to work full-time as an analyst on national television.
Irv Cross leaves a lasting legacy as a fierce defender and a visionary broadcaster. His leap from the secondary to the studio paved the way for future generations of athletes entering sports media, cementing his status as a true football trailblazer.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- 2Γ NFL Pro Bowl Selection: 1964, 1965 (Philadelphia Eagles).
- Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award: 2009 recipient, honoring his exceptional contributions to professional football broadcasting.
- Broadcasting Pioneer: First African-American to work full-time as a sports analyst on national television and co-anchor a network sports program (The NFL Today).
- Career NFL Statistics: Recorded 22 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries, and 2 defensive touchdowns during his 9-season career.
- Indiana Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1996.
- Collegiate Honors: Named Northwestern University’s Male Athlete of the Year and served as team captain in 1960.
