Notre Dame undrafted free agent officially makes Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster
Howard Cross, a former Notre Dame defensive tackle, had always dreamed of playing in the NFL. Growing up, he idolized players like Reggie White and dreamed of one day following in their footsteps. Throughout his college career, Cross worked tirelessly to improve his skills and catch the attention of NFL scouts.
After a standout senior season at Notre Dame, Cross was hopeful that he would be selected in the NFL Draft. However, to his disappointment, he went undrafted. Despite this setback, Cross remained determined to achieve his goal of playing professional football.
Cross continued to train and stay in shape while waiting for an opportunity to prove himself to NFL teams. He attended various tryouts and workouts, hoping to impress scouts and earn a spot on a roster. Finally, his hard work paid off when he received an invitation to try out for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals were impressed with Cross’s performance during the tryout and offered him a spot on their 53-man roster. Cross was ecstatic to have the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL. He knew that making the roster was just the beginning and that he would have to continue to work hard to prove himself at the professional level.
Cross joined the Bengals for training camp and immediately made an impression on his coaches and teammates. His work ethic and dedication to his craft were evident to everyone around him. Cross was determined to show the Bengals that they had made the right decision in giving him a chance.
As the season approached, Cross worked tirelessly to prepare himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He spent countless hours in the gym and on the practice field, honing his skills and learning the Bengals’ defensive schemes. Cross was determined to make the most of this opportunity and prove to himself and others that he belonged in the NFL.
When the regular season began, Cross found himself as a backup defensive tackle for the Bengals. While he didn’t have a starting role, he was grateful for the chance to contribute to the team in any way he could. Cross approached each practice and game with the same tenacity and determination that had gotten him to this point.
Throughout the season, Cross continued to impress his coaches and teammates with his work ethic and dedication. He earned the respect of everyone in the Bengals organization for his commitment to the team and his willingness to do whatever was asked of him. Cross’s positive attitude and team-first mentality made him a valuable asset to the Bengals both on and off the field.
As the season progressed, Cross’s role on the team grew. He began to see more playing time on defense and made the most of every opportunity he was given. Cross’s hard work and perseverance paid off as he made crucial plays in key moments of games, helping the Bengals secure important victories.
Cross’s journey from undrafted rookie to key contributor on an NFL roster was a testament to his determination and resilience. He had faced setbacks and challenges along the way, but he never lost sight of his goal. Cross’s story inspired others to never give up on their dreams and to always keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles may come their way.
At the end of the season, Cross reflected on his journey and was grateful for the opportunities he had been given. He knew that making the Bengals roster was just the beginning of his NFL career and that he would have to continue to work hard to stay there. Cross was excited for the future and eager to see where his determination and perseverance would take him next.
In conclusion, Howard Cross’s journey from undrafted rookie to making the Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and never-give-up attitude. Despite facing setbacks and challenges along the way, Cross remained focused on his goal of playing in the NFL and never wavered in his commitment to achieving it. Cross’s story serves as an inspiration to all who hear it, reminding us that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
Source: USA Today