Longtime South Florida radio personality John Kross Jr., known affectionately by his nickname “Footy,” has died, his organization said Saturday.

Outside of his radio work, Kross was the CEO of Here’s Help, a drug rehab charity, for over 50 years. The charity announced his death on Facebook Saturday morning.

“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,” the charity said. “His commitment to service, advocacy, and compassion will never be forgotten.”

Kross began working at Y-100 over 50 years ago. He told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in 2006 that he had joined with a single goal: “I had a wife and family and a lot of bills. I figured if I could hang on for one year, I could get out of the hole.”

Over the next 32 years, Kross became one of South Florida’s most beloved morning radio show hosts. People began calling him “Athlete’s Foot” after he was hired to do sports on a morning show hosted by Bill Tanner. Well-known American television host Sonny Fox then shortened it to Footy.

Kross retired in 2006, shortly after the departure of his long-time partner Kenny Walker. During his retirement, he said he planned to spend time boating, playing poker, and continuing his work with Here’s Help.

This past April, Kross’ son John wrote that his father had been struggling with health problems.

“A man who made this world a better place took his final checkered flag today,” he said in a post Saturday.

Several South Floridians also paid tribute to Kross on social media Saturday, describing him as a funny, kind and gentle man who cared deeply about helping others, especially those recovering from addiction.

“Rest in peace John ‘Footy’ Kross,” Walker wrote on Facebook Saturday. “Forever grateful for all you taught me.”

“There was no one with better humor or good nature than Footy,” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz wrote on X. “He was a dear friend. His voice, advocacy and personality will be deeply missed.”

My heart is heavy today over the loss of the legendary John “Footy” Kross. Footy helped wake up South Florida for 30+ years on Y100 and his commitment to community was second to none. Through Here’s Help, he assisted thousands of people fighting addiction and changed so many… pic.twitter.com/7j7GscS4qR

— Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) December 13, 2025