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Who is Irv Cross's wife Elizabeth Cross? A look at Black NFL legend's family and net worth after death at 81

Cross described how Elizabeth encouraged him to rise in the sports field, saying: 'My wife is the one who encouraged me to take the job'

Irv Cross, who spent nine seasons as an NFL cornerback and later became the first Black man to work full-time as a sports analyst on national television, died at 81. The news announcing his death was released on Sunday, February 28. Cross thrived while working in several different roles during his 23 years at CBS Sports. 

Cross spent six seasons with the Eagles (1961-1965, 1969) and three seasons with the Rams (1966-1968), posting 22 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler in 1964 and 1965. After his playing career, he spent 23 years with CBS Sports, including 14 years on 'The NFL Today' show. He was awarded the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Award for television and radio broadcasters in 2009, its first Black recipient. "I've been around all kinds of people, from every walk of life. I don't know that I could give you one person who was nicer than Irv Cross," longtime broadcaster Brent Musburger, who worked with Cross, told Chris McPherson of The Philadelphia Eagles. "He was a constant gentleman."

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The Philadelphia Eagles, with whom Cross spent close to nine NFL seasons, said Cross's son, Matthew, confirmed his father died near his home in Roseville, Minnesota. The cause of death was not provided.

"All of us at CBS Sports are saddened by the news of Irv Cross' passing," CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said in a statement. "Irv was a pioneer who made significant contributions to the storied history and tradition of CBS Sports and, along with Phyllis George and Brent Musburger, set the standard for NFL pregame shows with THE NFL TODAY. He was a true gentleman and a trailblazer in the sports television industry and will be remembered for his accomplishments and the paths he paved for those who followed."

Who was Irv Cross married to?

Cross married his first wife with whom he has two daughters, Susan and Lisa. And later he married Elizabeth with whom he has two children, Matthew, and Sarah. Cross also has a grandson, Aiden. He is also survived by his brothers Raymond, Teal, and Sam; sisters Joan, Jackie, Julia, Pat, and Gwen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. The family shared that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation or the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

In an interview with Vault, Cross had described how Elizabeth encouraged him to rise in the sports field, saying: "My wife is the one who encouraged me to take the job," says Cross. "She said, 'You've always dreamed of being in sports management--let's do it.' All my life I've been the only black in my classrooms or the first black to do this or that. I am concerned a little about how my kids will be accepted. But our kids always have had a different take on the world. We treat people fairly, and we expect to be treated fairly."

What was Irv Cross's net worth?

According to Popular Bio, Cross's net worth stands at $24 million. Details about his house and assets have not been revealed.

'He was a trailblazer'

Philadelphia Eagles posted, "The Eagles are saddened to learn of the passing of Irv Cross." While one fan wrote, "So sad to hear about Irv Cross passing away today....he was a trailblazer in sports media and amazing at his job on The NFL Today on CBS......here is Irv interviewing Jim McMahon after the Bears won the 1985 NFC Championship.....RIP Irv Cross"

One Internet user paid tribute saying, "RIP to Irv Cross. Love watching him on old NFL Today episodes. He had two stints as a cornerback with Eagles with a few years with the Rams in between." While another one wrote: "Getting to that age where the adult icons of my youth are now dropping like flies. Irv Cross was a Sunday staple."