Cross played collegiately at the University of Alabama under both Ray Perkins and Bill Curry. He was All-SEC his junior year. His senior year he received the Jacobs Award as the best blocker in the SEC. He had 41 career receptions for 459 yards and 4 touchdowns. He played in the Senior Bowl before begin drafted by the NewYork Giants in 1989. In just his second year, he won a Super Bowl ring; and played in another Super Bowl in 2000. Although he was known for his blocking expertise, he finished his 13 year career in 2001 with 201 receptions for 2,194 yards and 17 touchdowns. Retiring in 2001, he played in 207 games, which is a Giants franchise record.