Maxx Crosby's Ascendancy: Leading Through Adversity and Excellence
Maxx Crosby has solidified his status as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL. Recently, Crosby co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV with fellow NFL stars Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. The summit is a pivotal event, drawing defensive linemen together to share techniques and strategize for the upcoming season. This year's event was particularly significant for Crosby, who came equipped with a notebook brimming with insights and strategies discussed during the summit.
“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,” Von Miller remarked. "So, 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. I don't know how many years I got left, but Maxx, he's going to play another 10."
Crosby’s last season was nothing short of inspirational. Despite battling injuries to his left knee and thumb, which necessitated surgeries in January, Crosby was undeterred. He sustained a knee injury in Week 2 but remarkably played in 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps over the season. His dedication paid off as he achieved career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him a place on the second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year.
“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 surgeries marked a significant turning point in his career, with Crosby noting, "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." On January 22, Crosby began a rigorous recovery program, underlining his unyielding commitment to his craft.
Rob Ryan, the Raiders' senior defensive assistant, who boasts 30 years of football experience, is among Crosby's admirers. “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 praised.
Crosby’s commitment to excellence is evident in his work ethic. "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 stated. His resilience and continuous improvement have not only set him apart but have also inspired his teammates and coaches to strive for greatness.
In March 2022, Crosby was rewarded with a four-year extension worth $95 million, including over $53 million guaranteed. His exceptional performance also earned him a $6 million raise in the offseason without extending his contract, underscoring the Raiders' recognition of his impact and value to the team.
Amidst team changes and new faces, Crosby remains a pillar for the Raiders. Of note, he is one of only two players still on the roster who played with the team in Oakland. The Raiders, under various coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and now Antonio Pierce—have had a 39-44 record with just one playoff appearance since 2019. Despite these challenges, Crosby's presence provides stability and leadership.
New developments within the team include Thayer Munford stepping into the role of starting right tackle. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce emphasized the importance of this transition: "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Reflecting on the past offseason, Crosby speaks with determination and clarity on his goals. "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 resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His leadership on and off the field continues to inspire teammates and fans alike, setting a standard of performance and character that exemplifies the spirit of the game.