The Rise of Maxx Crosby: An Indomitable Force on the Field
Maxx Crosby’s ascent to the upper echelons of NFL defensive players is a testament to his resilience, skill, and unyielding dedication. Recently, Crosby co-hosted the prestigious "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside esteemed defensive linemen Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. The summit, a gathering for defensive linemen to exchange techniques and strategies, showcased Crosby's commitment to both his craft and the next generation of athletes.
"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 to bring Maxx in… to kind of give [him] a piece of it," Miller said. The veteran defensive end emphasized Crosby's integral role in continuing the summit’s legacy.
Crosby's journey has not been without its challenges. Last season, he played through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries this past January. Reflecting on his perseverance, Crosby noted, "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."
Despite these setbacks, Crosby showcased remarkable performance on the field. Participating in 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps, he achieved career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. His efforts earned him second-team All-Pro honors and his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
Crosby's dedication is evident in his off-field commitment as well. He initiated his personal recovery program on January 22 and continues to recover while preparing for the upcoming season. "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 shared. His relentless drive to be the best is encapsulated in his own words: "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."
Rob Ryan, the Raiders' senior defensive assistant with three decades of football experience, did not hold back in his praise for 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." Such high accolades from seasoned coaches underscore Crosby's impact.
Moreover, Crosby's off-season was marked by strategic financial planning. The Raiders recognized his contributions with a $6 million raise, although without extending his contract. Crosby previously signed a significant four-year extension worth $95 million in March 2022, with over $53 million guaranteed, solidifying his role as a cornerstone for the Raiders.
As the Raiders look toward the future, they have ushered in new changes to fortify their roster. Thayer Munford is set to start as the new right tackle, a move that Raiders coach Antonio Pierce believes will bolster the team’s growth and effectiveness. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Pierce remarked.
The Raiders have experienced considerable changes in coaching staff since 2019, cycling through four head coaches: Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. This period also saw a 39-44 record and just one playoff appearance, highlighting the challenges the team has faced. Notably, Crosby is one of only two remaining players from the Raiders' days in Oakland, a symbol of continuity amidst change.
Crosby’s approach to his career is one of relentless pursuit and adaptability. "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 Crosby continues to carve his legacy within the NFL, his unyielding drive and tenacity are not just shaping his personal journey but also setting a high bar for his teammates and the broader league. The upcoming season promises new challenges and opportunities, but with leaders like Maxx Crosby at the helm, the Raiders are poised to navigate whatever comes their way.