Brief Introduction of Charles Cross
Charles Ellis Cross is a formidable American football offensive tackle currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his exceptional athleticism, formidable strength, and advanced technique, Cross has established himself as a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ offensive line. His journey from a highly-touted high school recruit in Mississippi to a first-round NFL draft pick is a testament to his dedication and natural talent. At Mississippi State, he distinguished himself as one of the nation’s elite offensive linemen, earning All-American honors and proving his mettle in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). Since being selected by Seattle with the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he has been a consistent and reliable starter, tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blindside and anchoring the team’s offensive front. His impressive performance and continued development signal a long and successful career in professional football.
Charles Cross Overview
| Full Name | Charles Ellis Cross |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 2000 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 25 |
| Birthplace | Laurel, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Offensive Tackle |
| Husband/Wife | Information not publicly available |
| Family | Parents: Mitchell Cross and Owedia Cross. Siblings: Mitchell Cross Jr. and Quenna Cooper. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be over $20 million |
Early Life and Education of Charles Cross
Charles Ellis Cross was born on November 25, 2000, in the city of Laurel, Mississippi. Growing up in a supportive, middle-class family, he was instilled with a strong work ethic from a young age by his parents, Mitchell and Owedia Cross. He is the youngest of three children, with an older brother, Mitchell Cross Jr., and an older sister, Quenna Cooper. His family has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his athletic journey, with his parents being vocal supporters from his earliest days in football. His mother, Owedia, was particularly influential, encouraging him to apply the same diligence to his studies as he did to his athletic pursuits. From a young age, Cross exhibited the physical attributes and determination that would later define his football career. He attended Laurel High School, where he quickly became a standout player on the football team under the guidance of head coach Todd Breland. His talent was undeniable, and he developed into one of the most sought-after high school football recruits in the country. By his senior year, he was rated as a five-star recruit by multiple platforms and was ranked as the top overall prospect in the state of Mississippi. His dominance on the field earned him numerous accolades, including a selection to the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game. Initially, Cross committed to playing college football at Florida State University, but in a significant decision during his senior season, he decommitted and chose to stay in his home state, signing with Mississippi State University.
Charles Cross’s Career
Charles Cross’s football career has been marked by a rapid ascent from a collegiate star to a premier NFL offensive tackle. His journey began at Mississippi State, where he redshirted his true freshman season in 2019, appearing in just three games. However, by his redshirt freshman season in 2020, he had earned the starting left tackle position. He started 10 games and immediately made an impact, earning a spot on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team. The following year, in 2021, Cross solidified his reputation as one of the best offensive linemen in college football. As a redshirt sophomore, he started 12 games at left tackle and demonstrated exceptional skill, particularly in pass protection. He earned the top pass-blocking grade in the SEC from Pro Football Focus and allowed only two sacks over 919 pass-blocking snaps. His outstanding performance garnered numerous awards, including First-Team All-American honors from ESPN and Sporting News, and he was named the winner of the Kent Hull Trophy as the best collegiate offensive lineman in Mississippi. Foregoing his remaining college eligibility, Cross declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. His impressive collegiate career and athletic potential made him a top prospect, and he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the ninth overall pick. The pick was a significant one for the Seahawks, as it was acquired in the trade that sent quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Cross made history by being the highest-drafted player to enter the league without an agent, negotiating his own rookie contract. He signed a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth over $21.3 million, which included a signing bonus of more than $12.7 million. From the moment he joined the Seahawks, Cross was a starter and an impact player. In his rookie season, he started all 17 regular-season games and one playoff game at left tackle. He and fellow rookie Abraham Lucas became the first rookie tackle duo to start a team’s first 15 games since the 1970 merger, highlighting the strength of Seattle’s 2022 draft class. Cross continued to be a mainstay on the offensive line in the subsequent seasons, demonstrating durability and a high level of performance. He started 14 games in his second season, missing a few due to a toe injury, and returned to start all 17 games in his third season. Recognizing his value to the team, in April 2025, the Seahawks exercised the fifth-year option on his contract, guaranteeing him a salary of $17.56 million for the 2026 season. Cross’s performance has been praised for its consistency and technical prowess, establishing him as the anchor of the Seahawks’ offensive line and one of the best young tackles in the NFL.
Charles Cross Personal Life & Family
Charles Cross maintains a relatively private personal life, with a strong focus on his family and football career. He was born to Mitchell and Owedia Cross and grew up in Laurel, Mississippi, with his two older siblings, Mitchell Cross Jr. and Quenna Cooper. His family has been a foundational part of his success, providing a stable and encouraging environment. His father, Mitchell Sr., was a significant influence, inspiring Charles to put in extra effort in his training. His mother, Owedia, is described as his greatest supporter, and their close bond led to his siblings affectionately calling him a “mummy’s boy.” She always emphasized the importance of education alongside his athletic pursuits. Cross has expressed deep gratitude for the lessons and habits instilled in him by his family, coaches, and teachers in Laurel. His connection to his hometown remains strong, and he is committed to giving back to the community that supported him. In a notable act of philanthropy, inspired by his mother, Cross donated a $10,000 scholarship fund to his alma mater, Laurel High School, to support graduating seniors. In recognition of his contributions and success, the mayor of Laurel presented him with the key to the city. While he is a prominent public figure due to his NFL career, information about his romantic relationships or marital status is not publicly available. He has chosen to keep these aspects of his life out of the spotlight. Uniquely for a high-draft pick, Cross acted as his own agent when negotiating his rookie contract with the Seahawks. More recently, he has hired Clutch Sports Group to represent him as he moves further into his professional career. Cross has stated his love for the city of Seattle, the Seahawks organization, and the fans, expressing a desire to remain with the team long-term.
Awards and Achievements of Charles Cross
- First-Team All-American (ESPN, Sporting News) – 2021
- First-Team All-SEC – 2021
- Kent Hull Trophy Winner – 2021
- SEC All-Freshman Team – 2020
- U.S. Army All-American Bowl participant – 2018
- Received the key to the city of Laurel, Mississippi
- Nominated for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award – 2025
Charles Cross Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Charles Cross’s net worth is estimated to be over $20 million. His primary source of income is his NFL salary and signing bonuses. Upon being drafted ninth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed a four-year rookie contract with the Seattle Seahawks worth $21,383,626, all of which was fully guaranteed. This contract included a significant signing bonus of $12,731,728. His average annual salary under this initial deal is approximately $5.35 million. In April 2025, the Seahawks exercised their fifth-year option on Cross, which will see him earn a fully guaranteed salary of $17.56 million for the 2026 season. His career earnings from the NFL are substantial and set to increase significantly with his next contract. Beyond his NFL salary, other potential income sources such as endorsements or investments are not publicly detailed. His decision to initially represent himself in contract negotiations was a notable financial choice for a player of his draft status.
Legacy and Influence
Though still early in his professional career, Charles Cross is already building a significant legacy as a premier offensive tackle in the NFL. He is viewed as the “anchor” of the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line and a cornerstone for the franchise’s future. His selection in the draft, utilizing a pick from the landmark Russell Wilson trade, intrinsically links him to a pivotal moment in the team’s history. By establishing himself as a reliable and high-performing starter, he has validated the Seahawks’ decision and solidified a crucial position on the team for years to come. In his home state, Cross is a celebrated figure, having become the highest-drafted offensive lineman in Mississippi State’s history. His success serves as an inspiration for young athletes in Mississippi. Furthermore, his commitment to his hometown of Laurel, demonstrated through acts like donating a scholarship fund to his former high school, showcases his character and desire to have a positive impact off the field. He is respected for his quiet, determined demeanor, often described as a “silent assassin” on the field by his head coach. As his career progresses, his influence is expected to grow, both through his on-field performance and his contributions to the community.
Interesting Facts about Charles Cross
- He was the highest-drafted player in the 2022 NFL Draft to negotiate his own rookie contract without an agent.
- Alongside teammate Abraham Lucas, he was part of the first rookie tackle duo to start their team’s first 15 games since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970.
- He played basketball in high school in addition to football.
- In his final, dominant season at Mississippi State, he allowed only two sacks on 919 pass-blocking plays.
- His mother, Owedia, inspired his first major philanthropic effort—a $10,000 scholarship fund for his high school alma mater.
- He was presented with the key to his hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, in recognition of his achievements and community support.
Controversies
Information not publicly available. Charles Cross has maintained a clean public image throughout his college and professional career, with no notable controversies reported.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – A Twitter account is listed on his Wikipedia page, but its activity and follower count are not specified.
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Charles Cross
Charles Cross stands as a shining example of talent meeting tenacity. In just a few seasons, he has transitioned from a decorated college athlete to an indispensable pillar of the Seattle Seahawks’ offense. His journey, rooted in the strong family values of his Laurel, Mississippi upbringing, continues on an upward trajectory in the demanding world of the NFL. With his fifth-year option secured, the Seahawks have made their long-term intentions clear, viewing him as a franchise left tackle for the foreseeable future. Cross’s dedication to his craft, evidenced by his consistent improvement and reliability, combined with his quiet leadership and commitment to his community, paints the picture of a consummate professional. As he enters the prime of his career, Charles Cross is not only poised to earn further accolades but also to solidify his legacy as one of the premier offensive linemen in the league and a respected figure both on and off the field. The Charles Cross biography is one of sustained excellence and quiet determination.
