Maxx Crosby: The Unyielding Raider
Maxx Crosby, known for his relentless drive and exceptional skills on the field, recently co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside NFL stalwarts Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. This event, which gathers defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies, stands as a testament to Crosby's growing influence in the league. As Von Miller noted, "Maxx had been coming here for years, and to see his growth and his development into one of the best pass rushers in the league... I just thought it was natural to bring Maxx in... to kind of give [him] a piece of it, just to ensure the life of the [Sack] Summit."
Crosby, armed with a notebook from the summit filled with various strategies, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. Last season, he played through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries in January. Reflecting on his arduous journey, Crosby remarked, "I was damn near limited every single day, the whole season in practice... I had to learn to make an adjustment because I can't just go out there and run my knee into the ground. I had to be ready for Sunday." His commitment to the game is evident, as he battled through a knee injury sustained in Week 2, managing to participate in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps last season.
Crosby's resilience paid off, as he posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. His stellar performance earned him second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, a veteran with 30 years in football, isn't shy about singing Crosby's praises: "When you talk about Maxx Crosby, you're talking about the best defensive player in the league, probably in the history, that I've ever seen. Now, I've only been around it 30 years, but I mean, he's that good."
As Crosby began his recovery program on January 22, his determination to excel remained unwavering. "I had to get two major surgeries, and it's been different, but at the end of the day, there's not one street to get to where you want to go, there's multiple," Crosby explained. His commitment to year-round training is another testament to his dedication. "You talk about fight camps [lasting] maybe three months, four months; I do it 365 [days]. So that's why I feel like, at the end of the day, my consistency is what separates myself, and it will only keep getting me better because I don't leave any stone unturned." Crosby's mindset underscores his relentless pursuit of greatness.
Beyond his individual achievements, Crosby remains one of two Raiders still on the roster who played with the team in Oakland. This symbolizes a link to the franchise's recent past, a period that included four different head coaches since 2019: Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. During this time, the Raiders have recorded a 39-44 record with only one playoff appearance. Despite the revolving door of leadership, Crosby's consistency has been a cornerstone for the team.
Off the field, Crosby's value was recognized with a $6 million raise in the offseason, without needing to extend his existing contract. This came after he signed a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, in March 2022. This financial commitment underscores the Raiders' belief in Crosby's impact and potential to lead their defensive line for years to come.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Raiders are making some strategic changes. Thayer Munford has been named the new starting right tackle. Coach Antonio Pierce is hopeful this will pay dividends: "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Crosby, reflecting on his offseason and future aspirations, stated, "It made me take a step back so I could take three steps forward, and I feel like that's what this offseason was all about—my one goal is to be the best in the world, pound for pound, and I talk about it, I'm about it, I live it every single day and whatever street I've got to travel to get to where I want to go, I'm going to do that."
As Maxx Crosby continues to shape his legacy in the NFL, his journey of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes and a cornerstone for the Las Vegas Raiders.