Irv Cross has died. As a player, he was an All-Pro DB. But he was so much more.
CBS didn't just break the mold with their studio show. They pulverized it and then set what was left on fire. There were no baby steps. Brent Musberger was a celebrated announcer who became the main host. Then, they hired Cross as the first black person to be on a major set. On top of that, they added the former Miss America, Phyllis George to the team. A woman talking football at that time was unheard of. Just to make sure they pissed everyone off, the fourth member of their team was infamous gambler Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder. Again, no one had ever been bold enough to talk openly about gambling on football. In fact, it wasn't all that long after Alex Karras and Paul Hornung had been suspended for gambling on games.
This was truly a revolutionary team to put on TV every Sunday. If any had failed, the show could have imploded. Who knows what would have happened if they had? But this team worked like a fine Swiss watch and gave insights never heard before.
Cross' knowledge, class and ability to identify with the audience was critical. He opened the door for other people of color and former players to be featured on national platforms. He mentored many over the years. He is owed a debt of gratitude.
RIP
CBS didn't just break the mold with their studio show. They pulverized it and then set what was left on fire. There were no baby steps. Brent Musberger was a celebrated announcer who became the main host. Then, they hired Cross as the first black person to be on a major set. On top of that, they added the former Miss America, Phyllis George to the team. A woman talking football at that time was unheard of. Just to make sure they pissed everyone off, the fourth member of their team was infamous gambler Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder. Again, no one had ever been bold enough to talk openly about gambling on football. In fact, it wasn't all that long after Alex Karras and Paul Hornung had been suspended for gambling on games.
This was truly a revolutionary team to put on TV every Sunday. If any had failed, the show could have imploded. Who knows what would have happened if they had? But this team worked like a fine Swiss watch and gave insights never heard before.
Cross' knowledge, class and ability to identify with the audience was critical. He opened the door for other people of color and former players to be featured on national platforms. He mentored many over the years. He is owed a debt of gratitude.
RIP