Former NFL Star Broadcaster Irv Cross Had CTE Brain Disease

reported that Irv Cross, a former NFL player and CBS Sports anchor, had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he passed away in March 2021 at the age of 81. CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been linked to repeated head trauma, such as that experienced by football players. The disease can cause symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, depression, and dementia. Cross is one of many former NFL players who have been diagnosed with CTE, and his case has further highlighted the need for greater awareness and research into the long-term effects of head injuries in football and other contact sports.

I can provide more information on CTE and its link to football.

CTE is a progressive degenerative brain disease that has been associated with repeated head trauma, including concussions and subconcussive hits, which are blows to the head that do not cause immediate symptoms but can still result in brain injury over time. The disease is characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins, such as tau, in the brain, which can damage and kill brain cells.

Football players are particularly at risk for CTE because of the frequency and intensity of head impacts they experience during games and practices. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2017, CTE was diagnosed in 99% of the brains of deceased NFL players that were donated to research.

The symptoms of CTE can vary, but can include memory loss, confusion, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. In some cases, the disease can progress to dementia.

The NFL has taken steps in recent years to address the issue of head injuries and CTE, such as implementing rule changes to reduce the risk of concussions and investing in research on the disease. However, some critics argue that more needs to be done to protect players, such as improving equipment and reducing contact in practice.

Overall, CTE is a serious and potentially life-altering condition that underscores the importance of protecting athletes from head injuries, particularly in contact sports like football.

Certainly, I can provide more information on the current state of research and prevention efforts related to CTE and football.

In addition to the NFL’s efforts, researchers and medical professionals are working to better understand CTE and develop strategies to prevent and treat the disease. This includes studying risk factors for CTE, such as the number and severity of head impacts, as well as genetic and environmental factors that may influence an individual’s susceptibility to the disease.

There are also efforts to improve equipment and playing techniques to reduce the risk of head injuries in football and other contact sports. For example, new helmet designs that aim to reduce the force of impacts to the head are being developed and tested.

Another approach is to promote greater awareness of the signs and symptoms of concussion and to encourage athletes to report head injuries and seek medical attention. This can help prevent repeated head trauma and reduce the risk of long-term brain damage.

In terms of treatment, there is currently no cure for CTE, and the disease can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem through an examination of the brain. However, there are treatments and therapies available to manage the symptoms of the disease, such as cognitive and behavioral therapy, medications for mood disorders, and supportive care.

Overall, while much is still unknown about CTE and its link to football, there is growing recognition of the need to take proactive steps to protect athletes and reduce the risk of long-term brain damage. Further research and collaboration between sports organizations, medical professionals, and researchers will be important in advancing our understanding and prevention of this disease.

I apologize for any confusion in my previous response. Irv Cross was indeed a former NFL star and sports broadcaster. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams from 1961 to 1969 before retiring and transitioning to broadcasting. Cross became the first Black sports analyst on national television when he joined CBS Sports in 1971, and he went on to cover NFL games for over two decades.

As previously mentioned, it was reported that Cross had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he passed away in March 2021 at the age of 81. CTE has been linked to repeated head trauma, which can occur in football and other contact sports, and can cause symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, depression, and dementia. Cross’s case has drawn attention to the issue of head injuries in football and the need for further research and prevention efforts.

Certainly, I can provide more information on Irv Cross’s career and contributions to the sports broadcasting industry.

After retiring from football, Cross became a sports broadcaster and joined CBS Sports in 1971 as a studio analyst for “The NFL Today,” a pregame show that aired before NFL games. Cross was a pioneering figure in sports broadcasting, becoming the first Black full-time sports analyst on national television. He broke barriers and paved the way for other Black sports journalists and broadcasters who followed in his footsteps.

Cross was known for his insightful analysis and warm, engaging personality, and he quickly became a fan favorite. He covered NFL games for CBS for over two decades and was a fixture on “The NFL Today” until his retirement in 1994.

In addition to his work in sports broadcasting, Cross was also a trailblazer in other areas. He was the first Black athletic director at the University of Idaho and later served as the athletic director at his alma mater, Northwestern State University in Louisiana.

Cross’s legacy in sports broadcasting and beyond is a testament to his talent, professionalism, and dedication to excellence. His contributions to the industry and his role as a trailblazer for Black journalists and broadcasters will not be forgotten.

football commentator cross

Irv Cross was a football commentator and analyst for CBS Sports for over two decades. He joined CBS in 1971 as a studio analyst for “The NFL Today,” a pregame show that aired before NFL games, and quickly became a fan favorite for his insightful analysis and warm, engaging personality. Cross was one of the first Black sports broadcasters on national television, and his pioneering career helped to pave the way for other Black journalists and broadcasters in the industry.

Cross covered NFL games for CBS for many years and was a fixture on “The NFL Today” until his retirement in 1994. He also served as a commentator for other sports, such as college football and boxing.

Cross’s contributions to sports broadcasting and his impact as a trailblazer for Black journalists and broadcasters will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. His passing in March 2021 at the age of 81 was a loss for the industry and for all those who were inspired by his career and achievements.

football cross

Irv Cross was a former football player and coach before becoming a successful sports broadcaster. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons from 1961 to 1969 as a defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams.

After his playing career ended, Cross transitioned to coaching and served as an assistant coach for several college and professional football teams. He was an assistant coach for the Rams from 1971 to 1972 and later served as the head coach of the football team at Idaho State University.

However, Cross is perhaps best known for his career as a sports broadcaster and commentator. He joined CBS Sports in 1971 as a studio analyst for “The NFL Today,” and he quickly became a beloved figure among football fans for his insightful analysis and warm, engaging personality. He covered NFL games for CBS for over two decades before retiring in 1994.

Cross’s legacy in football and sports broadcasting is a testament to his talent, professionalism, and dedication to excellence. He will be remembered as a trailblazer and an inspiration to generations of athletes, coaches, and broadcasters.