Nick Cross is coming home—and he couldn’t be more fired up.

Born in Bowie, Maryland, and a product of DeMatha Catholic High and the University of Maryland, the new Washington Commanders safety is returning to his roots after four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. This spring, he signed a two-year, $13 million free-agent deal, bringing his every-down playmaking back to the DMV. With over 1,000 snaps in each of the last two seasons, Cross is set to anchor new coordinator Daronte Jones’ defense—exactly the kind of veteran leader Washington needs as it gets younger and faster.

In a recent interview on Up and Adams with Kay Adams, Cross opened up about his homecoming, his game, and his new teammates. “I lived and died with Washington. That was my team. I used to cry when they would lose,” he said. “It’s good to be able to come back home and play for them.”

He’ll likely wear No. 25 this season, since Quan Martin has No. 20 and Will Harris has No. 3—though jersey swaps aren’t off the table just yet. “Don’t buy a jersey just yet. These number exchanges take time and money,” he joked.

Cross also shared what Commanders fans can expect on the field. “There’s nothing I can’t do. I stop the run. People ask about coverage… I tell them I take the ball away, too,” he said. “Four picks in the last two years, two forced fumbles. The ball comes back to our sideline when I’m out there.”

With a new quarterback in Jayden Daniels and a rising star in safety Sonny Styles, Washington’s secondary is shaping up to be one of the most exciting units in the NFC. For Cross, it’s more than football—it’s a full-circle moment. “Everyone has been excited for me to play for the team I grew up rooting for. There will be a lot of eyes on me, for sure.”