NFL TODAY
In the 1970s the show, NFL TODAY changed how the nation would view sports on television. Legendary broadcaster Brent Mustberger anchored the show along with a Vegas betting expert, a former Miss America, a black Jet Centerfold Model, and a black man named Irv Cross. Did you know that Cross was initially a pro bowl defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles as he started his broadcasting career in 1971. CBS Sports made history when they hired him as an analyst and commentator.
Cross used that opportunity to catapult him into a permanent position on the weekly show “Sundays in The Fall”, which would later turn into the NFL TODAY. In 2009 Cross was honored with the Pete Rozelle Award for his longtime contributions to TV and radio broadcasting. His 2017 memoir “Barring The Cross” is a riveting tale of his rise from object poverty, to his success as a player in the NFL, a commentator and analyst on television, and an Athletic Director at two Colleges before his retirement. Regrettably, Irv Cross passed away this week at the age of 81. Brent Woody Musburger called him a perfect gentleman on and off the set. However, many of us in the industry. I call him a hero! Do you?
