Memphis TE Pumps Up Team with Helmet-Less Head-Butts

It's entirely possible that Memphis tight end Alan Cross is excited to be playing in the Miami Beach Bowl.

How do we know?

ESPN's cameras (via Reddit) caught Cross head-butting his teammates moments before kickoff against BYU on Monday at Marlins Park.

Marlins Park has seen plenty of home runs over the years, but not many head-butts. That's probably for the best.

No explanation was given for the odd display, so we'll have to assume Cross grew up rooting for Kevin Garnett.

Pain means nothing to Cross. That’s why one Twitter user compared him favorably to the always-frightening Chuck Norris.

Unfortunately for Cross, pregame enthusiasm can come at a price. Check out the gash on his forehead (h/t BroBible). That might require some medical attention.

To add historical context to Cross' buffoonery, former Seattle Seahawks fullback Owen Schmitt launched a similar attack on his own head back in 2009. Cross' cut looks tame when you compare it to the ocean of blood pouring down Schmitt's face.

Cross played through the self-inflicted wound and finished with three catches for 69 yards and a touchdown in a 55-48 win over BYU.

Let Cross' misguided pregame ritual be a reminder to always wear a helmet when head-butting. That said, an equally compelling argument could be made that head-butting should be done away with altogether.

Seriously, what happened to good old-fashioned high-fiving?

As fate would have it, Cross took another blow to the head later when he was punched from behind by BYU defensive back Kai Nacua. The brawl occurred moments after DaShaughn Terry intercepted BYU quarterback Christian Stewart to clinch the victory.

Look at the technique on that haymaker. Cross may want to ice up after this one.