Anonymous / Associated Press
Former Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams cornerback and CBS sports host Irv Cross died on Sunday morning, according to Chris McPherson of PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
He was 81 years old.
CBS Sports released the following statement:
Cross spent six seasons with the Eagles (1961-1965, 1969) and three seasons with the Rams (1966-1968), posting 22 interceptions, 14 fumble bounces and two defensive touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler in 1964 and 1965.
After his playing career, he spent 23 years at CBS Sports, including 14 years at The NFL Today Show. He was awarded the Pete Rozelle Award from the Professional Football Hall of Fame for television and radio stations in 2009, his first black award.
“I was with all kinds of people, in all walks of life. I don’t know if I could give you a person who was nicer than Irv Cross,” longtime announcer Brent Musburger, who worked with Cross, told McPherson. . “He was a constant gentleman.”
The tributes reached social media after the news of Cross’s death:
David Aldridge @Davidaldridgedc
I was honored to speak with the great Irv Cross last June for a story about how he and the equally great Sonny Hill – two Philadelphia legends – broke barriers and became the first broadcasters on Black TV for kids like me. Rest in power, Mr. Cross: https://t.co/OIOvr6KYuw
“He knew it was important for him to do well,” the sports journalist Clifton Brown said about Cross’s broadcasting career. “Irv knew that if the program failed, it could hurt on the way for other black sports broadcasters to obtain a similar opportunity. He was carrying that weight and he did it superbly. “
“It’s just a perfect transition now,” he continued. “We are so used to seeing former athletes on television. But all of them, especially those who are African American, whether they know it or not, I believe they owe Irv Cross a debt.”