Nick Cross (American football)
{{Short description|American football player (born 2001)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Nick Cross
| image = Nick Cross Colts-Commanders OCT2022 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Cross with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022
| current_team = Indianapolis Colts
| number = 20
| position = Safety
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2001|9|10|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Bowie, Maryland, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lb = 212
| high_school = DeMatha Catholic{{avoid wrap|(Hyattsville, Maryland)}}
| college = Maryland (2019–2021)
| draftyear = 2022
| draftround = 3
| draftpick = 96
| pastteams =
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2022}}–present)
| statweek = 17
| statseason = 2024
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 194
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 1.0
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 1
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 1
| statlabel5 = Pass deflections
| statvalue5 = 7
| statlabel6 = Interceptions
| statvalue6 = 4
| statlabel7 = Defensive touchdowns
| statvalue7 =
| status = Active
| pfr = CrosNi00
}}
Nicolas Cross (born September 10, 2001) is an American professional football safety for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins.
Early life
Cross was born on September 10, 2001, the son of Michael and Anna Cross. His father, Michael, is from Jamaica and his mother from Trinidad and Tobago. He attended the St. Jerome Academy in Hyattsville, Maryland for his early education.
Cross attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland.{{Cite web |last=McManes |first=Chris |date=2018-11-09 |title=From football dreamer to All-American, Nick Cross leads DeMatha – Streetcar Suburbs News |url=https://streetcarsuburbs.news/from-football-dreamer-to-all-american-nick-cross-leads-dematha/ |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=Streetcar Suburbs News |language=en-US}} He played in the 2019 Army All-American Bowl. Cross was rated as four star recruit. He originally committed to Florida State University to play college football but switched to the University of Maryland, College Park.
Cross also ran track while at DeMatha Catholic. He competed in the 60M, 100M, 200M, 4x100M relay, and 4x200M relay. He holds a personal best of 6.68s in the 60M.{{Cite news |last=Pell |first=Samantha |date=February 12, 2019 |title=Maryland football signs Nick Cross, flipping DeMatha defensive back from Florida State |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/02/12/maryland-football-signs-nick-cross-flipping-dematha-defensive-back-florida-state/ |access-date=June 11, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Hopmayer |first=Rachel |date=February 12, 2019 |title=Maryland Terrapins nab DeMatha safety Nick Cross from Florida State |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/maryland-terps/maryland-terrapins-nab-dematha-safety-nick-cross-florida-state |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=RSN}}
College career
File:Adr.FBC.Maryland.11.20.21.0603 (51696484094).jpg
Cross played at Maryland from 2019 to 2021.{{Cite web |last=McFadden |first=Ryan |date=October 7, 2021 |title=Maryland safety Nick Cross learned football by watching YouTube. Now he's thinking about the NFL. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bs-sp-maryland-nick-cross-learning-football-20211007-k7yd22ca5ffnjkxbbxukybov6e-story.html |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=Baltimore Sun}}{{Cite web |last=Paras |first=Matthew |date=March 7, 2022 |title=Nick Cross once cried after Washington losses. Now, he's impressing the NFL |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/mar/7/nick-cross-once-cried-after-washington-losses-now-/ |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=The Washington Times}} During his career he started 21 of 29 games and recorded 134 tackles, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, and four sacks. Cross was voted Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in each of his three seasons at Maryland.{{cite web | title=Nick Cross NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Maryland S | website=Bleacher Report | date=2022-03-31 | url=https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10026462-nick-cross-nfl-draft-2022-scouting-report-for-maryland-s.amp.html | access-date=2024-12-07}} After the 2021 season, he decided to forgo his senior season and enter the 2022 NFL draft.{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2022 |title=Maryland safeties Nick Cross, Jordan Mosley declare for 2022 NFL draft |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/maryland-safeties-nick-cross-jordan-220000101.html |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports|via=Baltimore Sun}}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||
| colspan="12" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Maryland Terrapins}};"| Maryland Terrapins | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="4"| Tackles ! colspan="5"| Interceptions | ||||||||||
| Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | ||
| 2019 | Maryland
| 11 || 45 || 30 || 15 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 5 | |||||||||
| 2020 | Maryland
| 4 || 23 || 14 || 9 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3 | |||||||||
| 2021 | Maryland
| 12 || 66 || 44 || 22 || 3.0 || 3 || 55 || 18.3 || 0 || 2 | |||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/nick-cross-1.html Career] | 27 | 134 | 88 | 46 | 4.0 | 5 | 55 | 11.0 | 0 | 10 |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
He participated in the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine where he had the fastest 40 yard dash, among safeties, with a time of 4.34 seconds. NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked Cross as the seventh best safety prospect in the draft (68th overall).{{cite web| title=Daniel Jeremiah's top 150 prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft: Where did each player land?| url=https://www.nfl.com/news/best-prospects-available-in-the-2022-nfl-draft |access-date=March 21, 2025| website=NFL.com| author=Daniel Jeremiah| date=April 28, 2022}} Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus ranked him as the fourth best safety on his big board (64th overall).{{cite web| title=2022 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Safeties| url=https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2022-nfl-draft-rankings-safeties-jaquan-brisker-kyle-hamilton-jordan-battle| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=PFF.com| author=Michael Renner| date=April 22, 2022}} Jeff Legwold of ESPN had him as the seventh best safety in the draft (71st overall).{{cite web| title=2022 NFL draft: Jeff Legwold ranks the top 100 prospects| url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/story/_/id/33763499/2022-nfl-draft-jeff-legwold-ranks-top-100-prospects| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=ESPN.com| date=April 23, 2022}} Bleacher Report had Cross ranked as the sixth best safety prospect (68th overall). Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated ranked him sixth among all safeties.{{cite web| title=2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Safeties| url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/04/05/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-safeties |access-date=March 21, 2025| website=si.com| author=Kevin Hanson| date=April 5, 2022}} NFL draft analysts projected Cross would be selected in either the second or third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.{{cite web| title=Nick Cross NFL Draft 2022: Scouting Report for Maryland S| url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10026462-nick-cross-nfl-draft-2022-scouting-report-for-maryland-s| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=bleacherreport.com| date=April 26, 2022}}
{{external media
| video1 =
[https://www.newyorkjets.com/video/s-nick-cross-maryland-runs-a-4-34-40-yard-dash-at-the-2022-combine Nick Cross runs 4.34s 40-yard dash]
}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 0 1/8
| weight = 212
| dash = 4.34
| ten split = 1.46
| twenty split = 2.51
| shuttle = 4.21
| cone drill = 6.85
| vertical = 37.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 10
| bench = 21
| arm span = 31 1/2
| hand span = 9
| wonderlic =
| note = Sources:{{Cite web |last=Reuter |first=Chad |last2=Zierlein |first2=Lance |title=Nick Cross Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nick-cross/32004352-4f45-3765-23e6-2cd9c4c4be6b |access-date=August 17, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2022 Draft Scout Nick Cross, Maryland NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1030306&DraftYear=2022 |access-date=August 17, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}
}}
=2022=
The Indianapolis Colts selected Cross in the third round (96th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=April 29, 2022 |title=NFL Draft 2022: Colts Trade Back Into Third Round, Select Maryland Safety Nick Cross 96th Overall |url=https://www.colts.com/news/trade-broncos-maryland-safety-nick-cross-third-round-nfl-draft |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=Colts.com}} The Colts received the third-round pick (96th overall) they used in order to select Cross in a trade with the Denver Broncos for a 2022 fifth-round pick (179th overall) and 2023 third-round pick (67th overall). He was the eighth safety drafted in 2022 and was also the youngest player to be selected in the 2022 NFL draft at 20 years old.{{cite web| title=Why rookie Colts safety Nick Cross only played 1 snap against Chiefs| url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2022/09/27/colts-why-rookie-safety-nick-cross-only-played-1-snap-against-chiefs/69522712007/| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=indystar.com| date=September 27, 2022| author=Joel Erickson}}
{{external media
| video1 =
[https://www.colts.com/video/colts-select-nick-cross-with-no-96-pick-in-2022-draft Colts select Nick Cross No. 96 overall]
| video2 =
[https://www.colts.com/video/draft-call-nick-cross Draft Call: Nick Cross]
}}
{{See also|2022 Indianapolis Colts season}}
On May 13, 2022, the Indianapolis Colts signed Cross to a four–year, $5.06 million rookie contract that includes an initial signing bonus of $864,100.{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Nick Cross contract| url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/76972/nick-cross |access-date=March 21, 2025| website=Spotrac.com}}
Throughout training camp, Cross competed against Rodney McLeod for the starting job at strong safety after it became vacant following the sudden retirement of Khari Willis.{{cite web| title=Previewing Colts’ SAF Depth Chart Entering 2022 Season| url=https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-safety-depth-chart-2022-julian-blackmon| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=si.com| author=Andrew Moore| date=July 27, 2022}} Head coach Frank Reich named him the starting strong safety to begin the season and paired him with free safety Julian Blackmon.{{cite web| title=10 Changes Colts Opening Depth Chart From 2021 to 2022| url=https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/10-changes-colts-depth-chart| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=si.com| author=Zach Hicks| date=September 7, 2022}}
On September 11, 2022, Cross made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start in the Indianapolis Colts' season-opener at the Houston Texans and made four solo tackles as they tied 20–20 after overtime. The following week, he collected a season-high five combined tackles (three solo) during a 0–24 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Entering Week 3, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus opted to bench Cross and named Rodney McLeod the starting strong safety in his place. On November 7, 2022, the Colts announced their decision to fire head coach Frank Reich sfter a disappointing 3–5–1 start. Former Colts' center, Jeff Saturday, was unexpectedly appointed interim head coach.{{Cite web|url=https://www.colts.com/news/frank-reich-parted-ways-head-coach-2022-season|title=Colts Part Ways With Head Coach Frank Reich|date=November 7, 2022|access-date=November 7, 2022|first=JJ|last=Stankevitz}} He finished his rookie season during the 2022 NFL season with only 17 combined tackles (11 solo), a forced fumble, and one fumble in 16 games and two starts. He was relegated to solely appear on special teams and was limited to very few snaps on defense.{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=January 20, 2023 |title=2022 Rookie Review: Nick Cross Goes from Starter on Defense to Core Special Teamer for Bubba Ventrone |url=https://www.colts.com/news/nick-cross-safety-third-round-nfl-draft-pick-rookie-2022-season-review |access-date=July 23, 2023 |website=Colts}} As a special teams player, Cross earned a special teams grade of 90.0 from Pro Football Focus.
=2023=
{{See also|2023 Indianapolis Colts season}}
During training camp, he competed to be a starting safety against Rodney Thomas II under defensive coordinator after it was open following the departure of Rodney McLeod.{{cite web| title=Here’s what the Colts safety depth looks like after the injury to rookie Daniel Scott| url=https://horseshoeheroes.com/posts/heres-what-colts-safety-depth-looks-like-after-injury-to-rookie-daniel-scott-01h308jxdx7j| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=horseshoeheroes.com| author=Jaleel Grandberry| date=June 16, 2023}} Head coach Shane Steichen named him a backup safety to begin the season with Julian Blackmon and Rodney Thomas II as the starting safeties.{{cite web| title=Colts release first unofficial depth chart of 2023 season| url=https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2023/08/09/indianapolis-colts-depth-chart-unofficial-first-release-2023/| access-date=March 11, 2025| website=coltswire.usatoday.com| date=August 9, 2023| author=Kevin Hickey}}
On December 16, 2023, Cross made three combined tackles (one solo), a pass deflection, and had his first career interception on a pass attempt by Mitchell Trubisky to wide receiver George Pickens as the Colts defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30–13. In Week 17, he earned his first start of the season after Julian Blackmon was placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. He collected a season-high nine combined tackles (six solo) as the Colts defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23–20. He finished the 2023 NFL season with 39 combined tackles (24 solo), two pass deflections, and one interception, while appearing in all 17 games with only two starts.{{cite web| title=Pro-Football-Reference: Nick Cross Game Logs (2023)| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CrosNi00.htm| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He received an overall grade of 71.8 from Pro Football Focus in 2023.{{cite web| title=ESPN Says Colts’ Nick Cross ‘On the Hot Seat’| url=https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-nick-cross-espn-hot-seat-safety| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=si.com| author=Drake Wally| date=August 20, 2024}}
=2024=
{{See also|2024 Indianapolis Colts season}}
He entered training camp as a possible candidate to be a starting safety, but had to compete for the role against Rodney Thomas II and Ronnie Harrison.{{cite web| title=Training Camp Notebook: What Colts are seeing in cornerback, safety position battles| url=https://www.colts.com/news/cornerback-safety-competion-position-battles-julian-blackmon-nick-cross| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=Colts.com| date=August 5, 2024}} Head coach Shane Steichen named Cross the starting strong safety to begin the season alongside free safety Julian Blackmon.{{cite web|title=Colts Release First Unofficial Depth Chart of 2024 Regular Season| url=https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-depth-chart-week-1-2024-texans| access-date=March 11, 2025| website=SI.com| date=September 3, 2024| author=Andrew Moore}}
In Week 2, he collected a career-high 15 combined tackles (ten solo) as the Colts lost 10–16 at the Green Bay Packers. On October 6, 2024, Cross made five combined tackles (two solo), a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Trevor Lawrence to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. during a 34–37 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars. On December 1, 2024, Cross recorded nine combined tackles (eight solo) and had his first career sack on quarterback Drake Maye for a two–yard loss during a 25–24 victory at the New England Patriots. The following week, he made five combined tackles (four solo), a pass deflection, and set a new career-high with his third interception of the season on a pass by Bo Nix to wide receiver Courtland Sutton during a 13–31 loss at the Denver Broncos in Week 15.{{cite web| title=Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos - December 8th, 2024| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202412150den.htm| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He started all 17 games for the first time in his career and had a career-high 146 combined tackles (87 solo), five pass deflections, a career-high three interceptions, and one sack.{{cite web| title=Pro-Football-Reference: Nick Cross Game Logs (2024)| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CrosNi00.htm| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} He received an overall grade of 70.3 from Pro Football Focus in 2024, which ranked 45th among 171 qualifying safeties.{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Nick Cross| url=https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/nick-cross/97514| access-date=March 21, 2025| website=pff.com}}
References
{{reflist}}
Further reading
- Andrew Moore, [https://web.archive.org/web/20220903082205/https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/nick-cross-indianapolis-colts-rookie-files "Nick Cross: Indianapolis Colts Rookie Files,"] Horseshoe Huddle, September 2, 2022.
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://www.colts.com/team/players-roster/nick-cross/ Indianapolis Colts bio]
- [https://umterps.com/sports/football/roster/nick-cross/9422 Maryland Terrapins bio]
{{Indianapolis Colts 2022 draft navbox}}
{{Indianapolis Colts roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cross, Nick}}
Category:American football safeties
Category:DeMatha Catholic High School alumni
Category:Maryland Terrapins football players
Category:Sportspeople from Bowie, Maryland
Category:Players of American football from Prince George's County, Maryland