Irv Cross, broadcasting legend with CBS Sports and Pro Bowl NFL cornerback, dies at 81 - CBS Sports

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, died at 81, CBS Sports announced Sunday night.

"All of us at CBS Sports are saddened by the news of Irv Cross' passing," CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus said in a statement.

"Irv was a pioneer who made significant contributions to the storied history and tradition of CBS Sports and, along with Phyllis George and Brent Musburger, set the standard for NFL pregame shows with THE NFL TODAY.

He was a true gentleman and a trailblazer in the sports television industry and will be remembered for his accomplishments and the paths he paved for those who followed.".

After retiring, Cross worked with the Eagles as an assistant coach and then joined CBS in 1971, when he became the first Black network sports show anchor

CBS Sports put together a crew of Musburger, George, Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder and Cross for THE NFL TODAY show, which made a large impact on how pregame shows were planned and executed

Humble, hard-working and insightful no matter which role he was filling, Cross was a television great who will certainly be missed.