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Bearing the Cross: My Inspiring Journey from Poverty to the NFL and Sports Television
Born into poverty in Hammond, Indiana, not much was expected from Irvin Acie Cross. But with much hard work and dedication, he put together one of the most incredible life stories imaginable.
After being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961 out of Northwestern University, Cross went on to have a nine-year career in the NFL, appearing in two Pro Bowls. After retiring, he joined the Eagles as a coach, and remained so until 1971 when a rare opportunity came along.
Without any national TV experience, Cross was hired by CBS Sports as an analyst and commentator, becoming the first African American to work full-time as a sports analyst on national television. He then joined NFL Today in 1975 with Brent Musburger, former Miss America Phyllis George, and sports bookie Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, and the show would go on to win thirteen Emmy Awards that first year.
Throughout his life, Irv Cross has shown off his signature smile. With his strong spiritual belief, he has accomplished more than most people could ever dream of. His hard work and dedication have led him on a storied journey, and in 2009 he was awarded the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bearing the Cross is Irv at his finest. From childhood to retirement, he shares an incredible life; the friends he’s made, the people he’s helped, and the lives he’s changed. With help from longtime journalist Clifton Brown, Bearing the Cross will not only give you an inside look into this incredible man but teach you the life lessons that have warmed his life.
After being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961 out of Northwestern University, Cross went on to have a nine-year career in the NFL, appearing in two Pro Bowls. After retiring, he joined the Eagles as a coach, and remained so until 1971 when a rare opportunity came along.
Without any national TV experience, Cross was hired by CBS Sports as an analyst and commentator, becoming the first African American to work full-time as a sports analyst on national television. He then joined NFL Today in 1975 with Brent Musburger, former Miss America Phyllis George, and sports bookie Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, and the show would go on to win thirteen Emmy Awards that first year.
Throughout his life, Irv Cross has shown off his signature smile. With his strong spiritual belief, he has accomplished more than most people could ever dream of. His hard work and dedication have led him on a storied journey, and in 2009 he was awarded the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bearing the Cross is Irv at his finest. From childhood to retirement, he shares an incredible life; the friends he’s made, the people he’s helped, and the lives he’s changed. With help from longtime journalist Clifton Brown, Bearing the Cross will not only give you an inside look into this incredible man but teach you the life lessons that have warmed his life.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 31, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 29, 2017
BEARING THE CROSS is a well-written book. It is also an easy, interesting read from a man who broke down some racial barriers in sports broadcasting.
I especially appreciated the author's accounts of his early school teachers, and how inspiring they were to him as a boy. Another bright spot is the author's explanation of his solid Christian faith. I thought both were inspiring, believable accounts. It's good to hear these words from such an influential figure.
I was not familiar with most of the '60's NFL figures, so most of that section was not particularly interesting to me--but I can see how others might enjoy that a lot. It was funny hearing about how football players would moonlight to pick up extra cash back then.
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
I especially appreciated the author's accounts of his early school teachers, and how inspiring they were to him as a boy. Another bright spot is the author's explanation of his solid Christian faith. I thought both were inspiring, believable accounts. It's good to hear these words from such an influential figure.
I was not familiar with most of the '60's NFL figures, so most of that section was not particularly interesting to me--but I can see how others might enjoy that a lot. It was funny hearing about how football players would moonlight to pick up extra cash back then.
Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
March 29, 2021
Irv Cross bio
Irv Cross's biography is an inspiring story of a life well lived. I remember him being an NFL player and especially his work on The NFL Today. I loved watching that every Sunday before NFL games. I was interested in his life story and finding out more about him. I was saddened to hear of his recent passing, but know that he had a life well lived.
Irv Cross's biography is an inspiring story of a life well lived. I remember him being an NFL player and especially his work on The NFL Today. I loved watching that every Sunday before NFL games. I was interested in his life story and finding out more about him. I was saddened to hear of his recent passing, but know that he had a life well lived.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews