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The Foundation of Success: Daily Preparation
Nick Cross, safety for the Indianapolis Colts, recently sat down with JJ Stankovitz on The Colts Show, sharing insights into his preparation, journey from Maryland, and the mindset that has allowed him to become a standout player in the NFL. From meticulous daily routines to lessons learned from past NFL greats, Cross gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the work it takes to compete at the highest level.
Cross opened the conversation discussing the foundation of his success: the daily process. “I think it’s just the process,” he explained. “The day-to-day preparation, the film study, paying attention in meetings, walkthroughs, practicing well, and trusting that God will get me through on Sundays.” He emphasized that his performance on Sundays is a product of consistent effort throughout the week.
Learning from the Best
Over the years, Cross has honed his preparation by observing successful players. “I follow guys like Buck Zire, guys who come in early, get work done. I see successful players come in on off days, get extra film study in, extra meeting time with their coaches. I just picked things up from different guys.” He also stressed the importance of taking care of his body, utilizing a private chef, massage therapy, and even a hyperbaric chamber to maintain peak condition.
Cross admitted he has been an “athlete junkie” since childhood, studying the routines of his favorite players to emulate their discipline and longevity. When asked who inspired him growing up, Cross cited several NFL and NBA stars, including Shawn Taylor, Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed, and even LeBron James. “I like to see good athletes take their game to the next level and continue to perform at a high level. That’s what I try to do.”
Commitment Beyond the Field
Cross’ dedication often set him apart from his peers. “My friends in high school always said, if Nick doesn’t make it to the NFL, no one else deserves to make it because that’s all I cared about—making sure everything I did was aimed at reaching that goal.” Even before playing organized football, he emulated his idols’ training methods, performing push-ups and sit-ups nightly, inspired by players like Adrian Peterson.
This commitment to learning and improvement continues today. “Every year I try to pick up something new—nutrition, body care, film study, or practice techniques. I’m still refining the process.” Cross emphasized that complacency is not an option: “Life’s about constant development. The moment you think you’ve arrived, you start losing. There are always guys to look up to, whether inside the building or outside.”
Translating Preparation Into On-Field Performance
Cross enjoys being “around the ball” and making plays close to the action, whether it’s blitzing or providing backside run support. Drawing from his early experience playing defensive end in high school, he incorporates techniques learned from defensive linemen, safeties, and other position players into his game. “I feel like a strong, physical guy. Going against smaller players, it’s easier to use power, but watching others has helped me refine my approach.”
Despite starting football in high school, Cross quickly rose through the ranks, eventually receiving 42 scholarship offers from powerhouse programs like LSU, Alabama, Florida State, Penn State, and Notre Dame. His recruiting journey included memorable moments, such as a Florida visit where his father insisted on turning off profane music in the locker room. Ultimately, Cross chose Maryland, in large part due to his father’s guidance.
Growth and Development at Maryland
Reflecting on his time at Maryland, Cross highlighted the personal development it offered. “Maryland wasn’t an Ohio State or Penn State, so the talent level wasn’t as high. I had to compete with myself every day, push myself harder, and take advantage of the coaching staff. That foundation helped me get to where I am today.”
Transitioning to the NFL, Cross faced challenges, including starting as a rookie and then taking a step back. “It was hard being the youngest starter in the league, away from family and friends. The first year took a toll, but my agent encouraged me to see a therapist, which helped me regroup and refocus.”
Mastering the NFL Mindset
In his second year, he embraced the daily grind, focusing on workouts, film study, and preparation rather than the immediate results on the field. “By the second year, I really honed in on the process. I knew if I kept putting in the work, the results would come, and they did.”
Today, Cross enjoys seeing the payoff of his dedication, both personally and as part of a strong Colts team. With a 5-1 record and a defensive coordinator focused on unlocking his potential, he is thriving. “It’s rewarding and humbling to see where we came from. I appreciate not just the results, but the relationships built and the journey itself.”
Mentorship and Continuous Improvement
Cross also credited coaches and mentors for his development. Head coach Lou Anarumo instills confidence and provides hands-on guidance, helping Cross excel in various roles, whether blitzing, covering, or supporting the run. He also studies great safeties like Bob Sanders, analyzing their explosiveness and ability to impact games. “Every season, I watch their best plays to understand how they performed at a high level. I try to take bits and pieces from all of that to improve myself.”
Nick Cross’ story is one of dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. From Maryland to the NFL, his journey highlights the mental and physical discipline required to compete at the highest level. As Cross himself put it, “The work isn’t just on Sundays. It’s every day, in every way.”
