Former Rams and Eagles cornerback Irv Cross died at age 81 on Sunday. Cross also spent 23 years in broadcasting at CBS, including 14 years on the network’s “The NFL Today” show.
CBS shared the following statement on the passing of Cross.
The CBS Sports family mourns the passing of Irv Cross. pic.twitter.com/BxYz8s5xmq
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) March 1, 2021
Cross spent the first five years of his career with the Eagles after being a seventh-round pick in 1961. He made the Pro Bowl in 1964 and 1965 before joining the Rams in 1966 and spending three seasons in Los Angeles. He finished his career in Philadelphia, playing one more season with the Eagles in 1969. Cross only missed one game in the NFL, his rookie season in 1961.
He finished his career with 22 interceptions, two pick-sixes and eight forced fumbles in 125 games.
As a broadcaster, Cross won the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award in 2009, becoming the first Black broadcaster to win the award. It’s just one example of what made him a pioneer in the broadcasting industry.