Canton, OH – The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed a new titan of the gridiron on March 22, 2025, as San Francisco 49ers legend Randy Cross was officially voted into its prestigious ranks. The announcement, delivered during a celebratory event, honors the versatile offensive lineman’s monumental contributions to the game and cements his legacy as a cornerstone of the 49ers’ early dynasty years.
Cross, now 70, earned his gold jacket after years of being overlooked, his induction a testament to a 13-year career that spanned 1976 to 1988—all with San Francisco. A three-time Super Bowl champion (XVI, XIX, and XXIII), Cross anchored an offensive line that powered the 49ers to dominance in the 1980s, protecting Joe Montana and paving the way for running backs like Roger Craig. Known for his durability and adaptability, he played all five offensive line positions, earning three straight first-team All-Pro nods from 1984 to 1986 and three Pro Bowl selections.
“Randy was the glue up front,” Montana said in a statement following the news. “He made my job easier every snap—smart, tough, and relentless. This is long overdue.” Selected 42nd overall in the 1976 NFL Draft out of UCLA, Cross appeared in 185 games, starting 180, and became a pillar of Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense revolution. His versatility shone brightest in Super Bowl XIX, where he slid from guard to center mid-game, helping secure a 38-16 rout of the Miami Dolphins.
The Hall of Fame nod closes a chapter of debate among fans and analysts who’ve championed Cross’s case since he became eligible in 1994. His stats—zero sacks allowed in three Super Bowl starts—speak to his excellence, though his era’s lack of advanced metrics often left him overshadowed by flashier peers. “Randy didn’t care about the spotlight,” said former teammate Ronnie Lott. “He just dominated. Canton’s finally giving him his flowers.”
49ers Nation erupted in celebration on X, with one fan posting, “Randy Cross in the Hall? About damn time—unsung hero of those rings!” Current Niners center Jake Brendel added, “Big congrats to a legend who set the standard for us.” The induction also marks a banner year for San Francisco linemen, following Charles Haley’s enshrinement earlier in 2025, spotlighting the franchise’s storied trenches.
Cross, who transitioned to a successful broadcasting career with CBS post-retirement, will be formally enshrined in Canton this August alongside the Class of 2025. In a tearful phone call aired on NFL Network, he thanked his family, teammates, and Walsh, saying, “This is for every block, every battle, every guy I lined up with. I’m humbled beyond words.”
For a player who once quipped he’d rather “block than talk,” Cross’s legacy now speaks volumes. His bust in Canton will stand as a tribute to a quiet giant whose grit and skill helped forge a dynasty. Congratulations, Randy Cross—a 49ers icon forever immortalized among football’s elite.
