Maxx Crosby's Impact on and Off the Field: A Comprehensive Look
In an era where consistency and resilience define the greats, Maxx Crosby stands out for his remarkable dedication and performance on the football field. The Las Vegas Raiders’ star defensive end recently co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside prominent players Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. This unique event attracts defensive linemen from across the league to share techniques and strategies, a testament to Crosby's growing influence in the NFL.
Reflecting on Crosby's inclusion, 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, he loved my baby like it was his. So, I just thought it was natural just to bring Maxx in… to kind of give [him] a piece of it, just to ensure the life of the [Sack] Summit. I don't know how many years I got left, but Maxx, he's going to play another 10."
Crosby's dedication to the sport is evident not just in his participation and co-hosting of the summit but also through his preparation and resilience in the face of adversity. Last season, despite injuries to his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgeries in January, Crosby still managed to post career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. "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," Crosby explained.
The rigorous season saw Crosby playing through a knee injury sustained in Week 2. Despite the physical toll, he remarkably participated in 95% of the Raiders’ defensive snaps last season. His perseverance paid off, earning him second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. Raiders’ senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, who has been in football for 30 years, lauded Crosby, stating, "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."
Off the Field and Looking Forward
Crosby's commitment to excellence extends beyond the regular season. He began his personal recovery program on January 22nd, determined to return even stronger. "I had to get two major surgeries, and it's been different," Crosby admitted, "but at the end of the day, there's not one street to get to where you want to go, there's multiple."
The offseason also brought financial rewards for Crosby. While he didn't extend his contract, he received a $6 million raise, reflecting the Raiders' confidence in his abilities. This follows his substantial four-year extension in March 2022, worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed.
Reflecting on his relentless work ethic, Crosby emphasized, "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." His determination is palpable and hints at even greater performances in the seasons ahead.
The Raiders have witnessed notable changes in recent years, with four head coaches since 2019—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. Amidst this flux, Crosby remains a pillar of stability, one of just two players still on the roster who played for the team in Oakland.
Expectations are high as Crosby and the Raiders look to improve on their 39-44 record since 2019, which includes a solitary playoff appearance. The recent addition of Thayer Munford as the starting right tackle is seen as a potential spark for the team's development. As Raiders coach Antonio Pierce pointed out, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
On Crosby's end, his focus remains unwavering. "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," he shared.
In Maxx Crosby, the Raiders not only have a player who can perform under pressure but also a leader who inspires those around him. As he continues his journey, both fans and teammates alike eagerly anticipate the impact this relentless athlete will have in the seasons to come.