How Nick Cross took advantage of his opportunities and grew into a 'Sunday player', as told by his Colts teammates and coaches

When Nick Cross was evaluated as prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft, the safety was described as a "bouncer."

No, not because of his jumping abilities – although he did record a 37-inch vertical jump at the 2022 NFL Combine – but because of his aggressiveness and toughness. Cross was praised for his stopping power and explosiveness, a quick and determined "enforcer" in the middle of the field; NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said Cross played with the kind of skillset "to throw opponents out of the club."

The thing about bouncers is they often go without recognition for their hard work. Many of their responsibilities are behind the scenes, or at least not as show-stopping as whatever performer or DJ they're typically guarding the door for.

Cross' NFL career has been, to this point, much the s