Name: TV pioneer and former NFL star Irv Cross dies at 81
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TV pioneer and former NFL star Irv Cross dies at 81

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(CNN)Broadcasting pioneer and former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Irv Cross died Sunday morning in Minnesota, the announced on the team's website. He was 81.Cross was the first African American sports analyst on national television when he worked for CBS Sports as an NFL analyst and commentator from 1971 to 1994. He anchored the Emmy-winning show "The NFL Today," from its inception in 1975 through 1989. Cross also covered other sports, including the NBA, track and field and gymnastics. 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I don't know that I could give you one person who was nicer than Irv Cross. He was a constant gentleman."In 2009, Cross was the recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. The award, which is given annually, recognizes "long-time exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football." Before broadcasting, Cross played nine seasons in the NFL -- six for the Philadelphia Eagles and three for the Los Angeles Rams.He was drafted in the seventh round of the 1961 NFL draft by Philadelphia. After two Pro Bowl seasons with the Eagles in 1964 and 1965, Cross was traded to the Rams. He would return to Philadelphia in 1969, becoming a player and coach. After retiring in 1970, he became an Eagles assistant coach.In his nine seasons, Cross had 22 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.Cross is survived by his wife, Liz; four children, Susan, Lisa, Matthew, and Sarah; grandson Aiden; brothers Raymond, Teal, and Sam; and sisters Joan, Jackie, Julia, Pat, and Gwen.

(CNN)Broadcasting pioneer and former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Irv Cross died Sunday morning in Minnesota, the announced on the team's website. He was 81.Cross was the first African American sports analyst on national television when he worked for CBS Sports as an NFL analyst and commentator from 1971 to 1994. He anchored the Emmy-winning show "The NFL Today," from its inception in 1975 through 1989. Cross also covered other sports, including the NBA, track and field and gymnastics. Hide Caption 1 of 160 Hide Caption 2 of 160 Hide Caption 3 of 160 Hide Caption 4 of 160 Hide Caption 5 of 160...

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TV pioneer and former NFL star Irv Cross dies at 81

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