CBS Sports analyst and commentator and former NFL player Irv Cross passed away at age 81, CBS Sports announced on Sunday.
“Irv was a pioneer who made significant contributions to the history and tradition of CBS Sports and, together with Phyllis George and Brent Musburger, set the standard for the NFL’s pre-game programs with THE NFL TODAY,” said CBS President Sports, Sean McManus, in a statement.
“He was a true gentleman and a pioneer in the sports television industry and will be remembered for his achievements and the paths he opened for those who followed him.”
Cross was hired by CBS Sports in 1971 as a game analyst, but his role at the company has grown to include coverage of other sports. Cross was a staple on “The NFL Today” for 14 years, spending a total of 23 years with the network.
In 2009, Cross became the first black man to receive the Pete Rozelle award, an annual tribute given by the Pro Football Hall of Fame to a member of the media.
As a player, Cross was drafted by the Eagles in 1961, spending the first five seasons of his career in Philadelphia. He also played for the Los Angeles Rams for three years. The defensive back game earned him honors at the Pro Bowl in 1964 and 1965.