Irv Cross, the pioneering African American sports broadcaster who passed away in 2021 at the age of 81, left an indelible mark on the industry that endures to this day. What Cross accomplished as the first Black man to work full-time as a national sports analyst was more than just a historic milestone - it laid the groundwork for the diverse, dynamic sports media landscape we enjoy today.
Breaking Barriers
When Cross joined the cast of CBS' iconic "The NFL Today" program in 1975, he shattered a color barrier that many thought would never be broken. Prior to that, the world of sports television had been dominated by white men, with few opportunities for people of color to be featured as analysts and commentators. But Cross' hiring proved that audiences were hungry for new perspectives and diverse voices.
As The New York Times reported, Cross "made history when he joined CBS Sports' pregame show, 'The NFL Today.'" He, along with co-hosts Brent Musburger and Phyllis George, created a hugely popular formula that combined insightful analysis, engaging personalities, and a chemistry that kept viewers coming back week after week.
Paving the Way
What this really means is that Irv Cross was a trailblazer who opened doors that had long been closed to people of color in sports media. His success on "The NFL Today" proved that audiences were ready for a more inclusive and representative approach to sports coverage. As The Hollywood Reporter noted, Cross "shattered a color barrier as the first African American to appear as a full-time TV [sports] analyst."
The bigger picture here is that Cross' legacy continues to shape the industry today. The diverse array of analysts, commentators, and reporters we see on sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports can be traced back to the path that Irv Cross blazed decades ago. He proved that audiences were ready for change, and that representation matters when it comes to sports media.
As Lely Radio Sports Highlights has noted, the sports media landscape is more diverse and inclusive than ever before. And that's a direct result of pioneers like Irv Cross who fought to break down barriers and pave the way for a new generation of talent.