ST. PAUL. Minn. - Irv Cross, who was Macalester's Director of Athletics from 1999 to 2005, passed away yesterday in Roseville. The former NFL star and broadcaster was 81.

During his time at Macalester, Irv impacted many student-athletes with his kindness and boundless optimism. While at Macalester he worked to improve competitive opportunities for women and facilitated initiatives to address racial prejudice. The first Black Director of Athletics at Macalester, Irv also paved the way for minority administrators at other colleges in the MIAC. After stepping down as AD in 2005, he stayed on to assist then-Macalester President Brian Rosenberg with fundraising for the Leonard Center, Macalester's $45 million state-of-the-art indoor athletics facility. He also served as the football team's defensive coordinator in 2006.

Prior to becoming an athletics administrator, Irv broke down barriers as the first Black sports show anchor when he joined the NFL Today broadcast team in 1975. Working alongside Brent Musberger, Phyllis George and Jimmy "the Greek" Snyder, Irv became a popular fixture on CBS's Sunday football broadcasts. In 2009, he won the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award, which honors those who have made "longtime exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football." He was the first ever Black recipient of the annual honor.

He retired from the broadcast booth in 1994, eventually becoming the athletic director at Idaho State for three years before coming to Macalester in 1999. Following his tenure at Macalester, Irv also served as the executive director of the Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Central Minnesota.

"Irv was not only a trailblazer on the field and in the broadcast booth, he paved the way for administrators like myself," current Director of Athletics Donnie Brooks said. "I recognize that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and I'm appreciative of Irv's service to Macalester and the greater Twin Cities community."

A native of Hammond, Ind., Irv starred for Northwestern University on the gridiron and was drafted in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles. A hard-hitting defensive back, he was named to two Pro Bowls while with the Eagles during his nine-year NFL career that included three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
 
Irv is survived by his wife, Liz and their four children, a grandson, three brothers and five sisters.

Remembering Irv Cross
"In my almost thirty years of association with the NCAA it is my opinion Irv Cross was one of the most charming and friendly colleagues one could ever meet." - John Leaney, legendary Macalester soccer coach
 
"Irv was a great friend of the M Club. It was an honor to work together with such a notable pioneer as the first Black sports analyst for a national television station. Irv's attitude was always positive and he continually looked on the bright side." - Steve Cox '76, M Club President
 
"Irv Cross genuinely cared about the student-athlete experience, both sides of it, and he felt immense pride that Macalester offered this robust experience to students." - Jordan Cushing, women's cross country coach/Assistant AD for Recruiting from 2000-09
 
 "Irv had an amazing knack for engaging a crowd of people at events held on campus. He was a phenomenal speaker and presenter who could always grab my attention and leave me feeling energized and motivated. As a football student-athlete here at Macalester during Irv's time as our AD, I always loved when he had an opportunity to come to practice and impart some of his wisdom, particularly when he would work with us defensive backs at practice. He had a wealth of knowledge, tricks and technical advantages that were very helpful when it came to playing the defensive back position. I am forever grateful for the times and ways that he helped me become a better master of our craft." - Marshall Mullenbach '03
 
"Irv and I worked together during his time at Macalester to host campus visits for local youth who would be the first in their families to go to college. He had a powerful message and really drew the kids in, especially middle school visitors with big dreams of becoming professional athletes." - Ruth Janisch, Assistant Dean of Educational Partnerships

"Irv was a generous person who thrived on giving back to his community. He never forgot what it was like to be on the other side of the struggle. He had an optimistic outlook and a belief that everyone could make a difference." - Matt Parrington, head baseball coach
 
"When I think of Irv, I think immediately of his infectious laugh. He is one of the warmest and most positive people I have had the pleasure of knowing." - Curt Kietzer, men's basketball coach from 1997 to 2009
 
 "Besides being a great human being, he was knowledgeable and generous in all things." Andrew Porter '03
 
"It was an absolute pleasure to work with Irv. Not only was he one of the nicest people I have gotten the opportunity to work with, he was one of the nicest, most caring people I have ever met. His joy and zest for life was infectious and those who had the privilege to meet him were much better for it." - Ron Osterman, Assistant AD for Facilities