Howard Cross
Career Summary
Howard Cross III is a defensive tackle from Paramus, New Jersey, who played at Notre Dame before signing with Cincinnati as a college free agent in 2025.
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Early Life
Cross was born July 31, 2001. His father, Howard Cross Jr., played 13 NFL seasons at tight end and won a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants.
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High School
Cross attended St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey, where he helped lead the program to a 2018 state championship and was named NJ.com state player of the year.
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College Career
Cross played six seasons at Notre Dame, appearing in 65 games and recording 30.5 plays behind the line of scrimmage. He was a key part of the 2024 Fighting Irish defense that reached the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
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Path to the NFL
Cross signed with Cincinnati as a college free agent on May 9, 2025. He made the Bengals' initial 53-man roster, was waived October 3 and returned to the practice squad in October.
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NFL Career
Cross played for Cincinnati during the 2025 season. His NFL game log records tackles against Minnesota and Miami, along with three preseason games, including an interception in the preseason finale against Indianapolis.
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Career Accomplishments
In 2024, Cross posted 76 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Notre Dame held 12 opponents to 17 or fewer points that season.
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Playing Style
Listed by Cincinnati at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, Cross is an interior defensive lineman. He played nose tackle at Notre Dame and was described by Cincinnati as a natural three-technique who runs to the ball.
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31084, 00-0040369, 2001-07-31, Howard Cross, Howard, Cross
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
MFT Score: 35.8
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.