Maxx Crosby: Defining Resilience and Excellence in the NFL
Maxx Crosby continues to solidify his reputation as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. The talented defensive end, who has been with the Raiders since their Oakland days, is now an integral part of the Las Vegas team. Recently, Crosby co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside esteemed players Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, an event that brings together defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies.
Reflecting on the summit, Von Miller said, "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."
While Crosby’s achievements on the field are impressive, his resilience off the field is equally noteworthy. Last season, he played through injuries to his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgeries in January. Despite these challenges, Crosby posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him a second-team All-Pro nod and a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Remarkably, he participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps last season, even after injuring his knee in Week 2.
Crosby opened up about the toll of these injuries: "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."
Undeterred by his injuries, Crosby commenced his recovery program on January 22, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft. "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.
Rob Ryan, the Raiders' senior defensive assistant with over 30 years of football experience, is effusive in his praise of 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 said.
Crosby’s commitment extends beyond physical recovery. His focus on consistent improvement is evident in his rigorous daily routine. "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," he explained.
Off the field, the Raiders have made significant organizational changes. Since 2019, they've had four head coaches: Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. This period has seen the Raiders compile a 39-44 record with one playoff appearance. Stability appears to have been elusive, but there is hope that the team’s current leadership will foster growth and development. As part of this effort, the team has named Thayer Munford the new starting right tackle, a move praised by Raiders coach Antonio Pierce: "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Crosby’s financial value to the team was recognized with a $6 million raise in the offseason, without an extension to his existing contract. In March 2022, he had signed a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, securing his long-term future with the Raiders.
Reflecting on his off-season recovery and preparation, Crosby is resolute. "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 stated.
Maxx Crosby’s relentless drive and resilience make him a formidable force on the field and an inspiring figure off it. As he continues to evolve and his career progresses, fans and fellow players alike will undoubtedly look to him as a benchmark of greatness in the NFL.