MIAMI (AP) _Aftter Randy Cross, whose 13-year career spanned the San Francisco 49ers’ futility in the 1970s and their championships in the ‘80s, will retire Sunday after his third Super Bowl.

Cross’ announcement Wednesday surprised his teammates but left the oldest 49er, at age 34, elated at the circumstances surrounding a decision he made last October.

“I can think of no better way to end a career,” Cross said. “This is the way you read about it, it’s the way you dream about ending your career.”

Cross, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is considered the 49ers’ most articulate player and has been pursuing a career in sports broadcasting for several years.

He told Coach Bill Walsh of his decision on the plane from San Francisco last Sunday, but didn’t disclose his secret to his teammates before taking the podium in front of hundreds of reporters at the team’s hotel.

“I always told myself I wanted to play as long as I was happy with the way I was playing,” he said.

Cross, a standout at UCLA, was chosen by the 49ers on the second round of the 1976 NFL draft, the 42nd pick overall. He was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 1981, 1982 and 1984 seasons.