Howard Cross III

Howard Edward Cross III (born July 31, 2001) is an American football nose tackle for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Early life and high school
Cross was born in Paramus, New Jersey and attended Saint Joseph Regional High School. In his high school career, Cross was a state-champion wrestler. Cross would decide to commit to play college football at the University of Notre Dame.

College career
As a freshman in 2019, Cross totaled seven tackles in three games. In the shortened 2020 season, he finished the year with 13 tackles. In week twelve of the 2021 season, Cross notched two sacks in a win over Georgia Tech. Cross finished the 2021 season with 22 tackles with 4.5 being for a loss, and three sacks. In week two of the 2022 season, Cross recorded 11 tackles with half a tackle being for a loss, in a loss over Marshall. Cross finished the 2022 season with 33 tackles with 2.5 going for a loss, two sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. Cross came into the 2023 season, as the Fighting Irish starting nose tackle. In week five of the 2023 season, Cross had a career performance where he tallied 13 tackles with 3.5 going for a loss, a sack, and two forced fumbles, as he helped Notre Dame to a win over Duke. Cross was named a midseason All-American, after eight weeks of the 2023 season. Cross is currently projected as a mid round NFL draft pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.

Personal life
Cross is the son of former New York Giants tight end Howard Cross. He has a twin sister, Bella.