Maxx Crosby: Overcoming Adversity and Leading by Example
Maxx Crosby, the standout defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, continues to demonstrate resilience and excellence, both on and off the field. Recently, Crosby co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside illustrious pass-rushers Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. The summit, designed to bring together defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies, marks another step in Crosby's journey toward becoming one of the premier players in the NFL.
Von Miller, a notable figure in the league, couldn't help but commend Crosby's growth over the years, saying, "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."
Playing Through Pain
Crosby's determination and work ethic are nothing short of extraordinary. Last season, he sustained significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgeries in January. Despite these setbacks, Crosby participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps and delivered career-high statistics with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles.
Reflecting on his perseverance, Crosby shared, "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."
These injuries didn't deter his ambition. Instead, Crosby began his personal recovery program on January 22, emphasizing the relentless drive that has become his hallmark. "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," he noted.
Recognized Excellence
Maxx Crosby's impact on the field hasn't gone unnoticed. He was named second-team All-Pro and secured a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive season. In addition, Crosby remains one of only two players still on the Raiders roster from their Oakland days, highlighting his established presence within the team amidst considerable coaching changes. Since 2019, the Raiders have gone through four coaches: Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce, posting a 39-44 record with just one playoff appearance.
Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with three decades of football experience, didn't mince words when praising Crosby. "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," Ryan declared.
Commitment to Improvement
Crosby's commitment to his craft and the Raiders is underscored by the lucrative contract extension he signed in March 2022, a four-year deal worth $95 million with over $53 million guaranteed. Further solidifying his value, Crosby received a $6 million raise in the offseason without extending his contract, a testament to his indispensable role on the team.
Off the field, Crosby's dedication to his personal training regimen is unparalleled. "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 explained.
Future Prospects
The Raiders are counting on Crosby's leadership and experience, especially as they integrate new talent like Thayer Munford, the team's new starting right tackle. Coach Antonio Pierce expressed optimism, saying, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
As for Crosby, his focus remains clear. "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."
Maxx Crosby's journey is a testament to relentless pursuit and overcoming adversity, a narrative that's shaping his legacy as one of the most formidable defensive players in the NFL.