Nick Cross Secures Safety Spot with Indianapolis Colts

As the Indianapolis Colts’ defense continues to solidify its identity in the second half of the NFL season, third-year safety Nick Cross has emerged as a permanent fixture in the starting lineup, putting to rest any questions about his role in the unit. After spending his first two seasons as a rotational player and special teams contributor, Cross has seized the opportunity in 2024, turning consistent performances into a locked-in starting spot alongside veteran Rodney McLeod. Through 12 games, Cross has tallied 76 tackles (including 5 for loss), 3 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles—stats that rank him among the top 15 safeties in the AFC. His ability to excel in both run support and pass coverage has filled a longstanding gap in the Colts’ secondary, which struggled with inconsistency at the safety position in recent years. For a Colts team aiming to climb the AFC South standings, Cross’ breakthrough isn’t just a positional win—it’s a boost to a defense that needs reliable playmakers to compete with divisional rivals. Nick Cross Secures Safety Spot with Indianapolis Colts is more than a roster update; it’s a testament to his growth from a promising prospect to a key defensive contributor.

Cross’ ascent to a starting role stems from his refined skill set and improved understanding of the Colts’ defensive scheme, areas he focused on heavily during the offseason. Unlike his early years, where he relied primarily on his athleticism (he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine), Cross now combines speed with disciplined decision-making—critical for a safety tasked with reading quarterbacks and reacting to plays in real time. His biggest improvement has come in pass coverage: after allowing a 72% completion rate when targeted last season, he’s cut that number to 54% in 2024, using better pre-snap alignment and quicker recognition to break up passes. In Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints, Cross showcased this growth, intercepting a deep pass from Derek Carr and returning it 35 yards to set up a Colts touchdown—his first career pick-six. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has praised Cross’ work ethic, noting that he “spent hours studying film with veterans like McLeod, asking questions about how to anticipate routes and avoid mistakes.” This blend of athleticism and football IQ is why Cross has moved past competition for the starting spot. Nick Cross Secures Safety Spot with Indianapolis Colts is a result of his commitment to refining his craft and adapting to the demands of the position.

Cross’ impact on the Colts’ defense extends beyond individual stats—it’s seen in how he elevates the entire secondary and strengthens the unit’s ability to stop both the run and pass. In run support, Cross has become a reliable tackler in the box, using his size (6’1”, 212 lbs) and strength to bring down running backs before they reach the second level. Through 12 games, he’s recorded 18 tackles within three yards of the line of scrimmage, helping the Colts rank 10th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. In pass coverage, his speed allows him to cover tight ends and slot receivers one-on-one, a versatility that frees up other defensive backs to focus on deep threats. For example, in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cross shadowed star tight end Cade Otton for most of the game, limiting him to 2 receptions for 15 yards—well below his season average of 5 catches for 45 yards. This ability to handle multiple roles has made the Colts’ secondary more flexible, allowing Bradley to design more aggressive game plans without leaving gaps in coverage. Nick Cross Secures Safety Spot with Indianapolis Colts is evident in how the entire secondary has become more consistent and resilient with him in the starting lineup.

A key factor in Cross’ success is his chemistry with McLeod, a veteran safety whose leadership has helped Cross navigate the nuances of the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive scheme. McLeod, a 12-year NFL veteran, took Cross under his wing during training camp, sharing insights on how to read offensive formations, communicate with linebackers, and stay calm under pressure. The pair spends extra time after practice reviewing film, with McLeod pointing out subtle cues that Cross might have missed—like a tight end’s hand placement that signals a run or pass. This mentorship has paid off on the field: Cross and McLeod have developed a silent communication system, using hand signals and subtle movements to adjust coverage without verbal cues, which helps the secondary avoid miscommunications. In Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, this chemistry was on full display: McLeod read a Bengals play-action fake and signaled to Cross, who dropped into coverage and intercepted Joe Burrow’s pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase. For the Indianapolis Colts, this veteran-rookie pairing has turned a position of uncertainty into one of strength, providing stability that the defense desperately needed. Nick Cross Secures Safety Spot with Indianapolis Colts is strengthened by this partnership, which blends experience and youth to create a dynamic safety duo.

Cross’ emergence also aligns with the Indianapolis Colts’ long-term defensive strategy, which prioritizes building a young, athletic secondary that can grow with the rest of the team. The Colts have invested heavily in young defensive talent in recent drafts—including cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Johnson—and Cross’ development completes the core of a secondary that could remain competitive for years. Unlike older free-agent signings who might leave in a few seasons, Cross is under contract with the Colts through 2025, giving the team time to build around him and refine the defensive scheme to his strengths. Head coach Shane Steichen has emphasized that “sustained success comes from developing young talent, not just signing veterans,” and Cross’ journey embodies that philosophy. For the Indianapolis Colts, Cross’ ability to secure the safety spot means they can shift their focus to other defensive needs in future drafts, like adding depth to the defensive line or linebacking corps. This long-term vision has turned Cross from a project into a cornerstone of the Colts’ defense. Nick Cross Secures Safety Spot with Indianapolis Colts is a critical step in the franchise’s plan to build a sustainable, championship-caliber defense.

Looking ahead, Cross’ performance in the final stretch of the season will be crucial for the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff hopes, as they face tough divisional matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans. If Cross can maintain his current level of play, he could finish the season with 100+ tackles and 4+ interceptions—numbers that would put him in contention for his first Pro Bowl selection. Beyond individual accolades, Cross’ consistency will be key to stopping the Jaguars’ high-powered offense (led by Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne) and the Texans’ emerging passing game (featuring C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell). For Cross himself, this season is a chance to establish himself as one of the NFL’s top young safeties, a label that would solidify his place in the Colts’ long-term plans. Regardless of how the season ends, one thing is clear: Cross has proven he belongs in the starting lineup, and his future with the Colts is brighter than ever. Nick Cross Secures Safety Spot with Indianapolis Colts is more than a season-long story—it’s the beginning of what could be a defining career with the franchise.