Local Obituaries

Footy had ‘enduring impact’: Radio host John Kross has died, Miami agency says

By Miami Herald Archives
John "Footy" Kross does his thing on air at radio station Y-100 in 1993.
John "Footy" Kross does his thing on air at radio station Y-100 in 1993. Joe Rimkus Jr. Miami Herald File

Longtime radio personality and social service leader John “Footy” Kross has died, according to the organization he once led.

Kross was best known as a DJ and talk show host on Miami radio station Y-100 from the 1970s through 2006. He also was the name behind Footy’s Wing Ding benefit in Hollywood. He started doing sports reports on the FM rock station and was originally known as “Athlete’s Foot” when he was hired to do the sports report on the “Tanner in the Morning” show.

Kross, 77, also was the longtime CEO of Here’s Help, a residential treatment center for troubled youth in Opa-locka. Cause of death wasn’t immediately released.

Here’s Help issued a statement Saturday on Footy: “John generously used his voice, influence and passion to raise awareness and funds for those we serve, leaving an enduring impact on our programs, our community and countless lives. His commitment to service, advocacy, and compassion will never be forgotten.”

In 1974, Kross was working at the nonprofit drug-treatment program when he took on the radio opportunity. He ended up at Y-100 for more than 30 years.

But his heart remained with Here’s Help.

“I always knew I would continue on at Here’s Help,” Kross told the Miami Herald in 2010. “That’s my first world, my main focus.”

When he wasn’t working, Kross, who lived in Pembroke Pines and received a key to the city in 2023, enjoyed playing golf a few times a week with a friend, former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino.

“Footy’s the best — a good friend and true community leader,” Marino said in 2010. “The work he’s done for the community has made a difference in the lives of countless South Floridians.”

Here’s a look at Footy’s career through the years:

"Footy" behind the Y-100 microphone in 1997.
"Footy" behind the Y-100 microphone in 1997. Bob Eighmie Miami Herald File
This was the 10th annual Footy's Y-100 Wing Ding in 1996 at Young Circle in Hollywood. The benefit event featured wings from South Florida restaurants and nationally known musical acts. Here, Angelena Kauffman, 2, from Davie, gets lifted by mom, Rachel, while listening to rock band Bonding of the Dogs.
This was the 10th annual Footy's Y-100 Wing Ding in 1996 at Young Circle in Hollywood. The benefit event featured wings from South Florida restaurants and nationally known musical acts. Here, Angelena Kauffman, 2, from Davie, gets lifted by mom, Rachel, while listening to rock band Bonding of the Dogs. J. Albert Diaz Miami Herald File
Footy and Y-100 sponsored a wing Pain Sauce Contest in Hollywood. Here, contestants chow down on spicy wings.
Footy and Y-100 sponsored a wing Pain Sauce Contest in Hollywood. Here, contestants chow down on spicy wings. Wanda J. DeMarzo Miami Herald File
Footy from Y-100.
Footy from Y-100. Miami Herald File
Models pose for the South Florida Firefighters Calendar, which benefited Here's Help, the agency run by Y-100's John “Footy” Kross. The guys are being taught to dance a routine for a big opening event at the nightclub Level.
Models pose for the South Florida Firefighters Calendar, which benefited Here's Help, the agency run by Y-100's John “Footy” Kross. The guys are being taught to dance a routine for a big opening event at the nightclub Level. Miami Herald File
Footy at his mic at Y-100 in 1997. He started at the station in the 1970s.
Footy at his mic at Y-100 in 1997. He started at the station in the 1970s. Bob Eighmie Miami Herald File

This story was originally published December 13, 2025 at 4:23 PM.

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