Maxx Crosby's Ascent Continues Despite Adversities
Maxx Crosby, the star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, continues to solidify his position as one of the most formidable players in the NFL. Recently co-hosting the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside seasoned pros Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, Crosby has remained relentless in his pursuit of excellence, even in the face of significant physical challenges.
A Gathering of Elite Minds
The Sack Summit is not just another off-season event. It’s a symposium where the game's best defensive linemen converge to share techniques and strategies. Crosby, who has been a regular attendee, now finds himself in a leading role. "Maxx had been coming here for years," said Von Miller. "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 has a notebook filled with insights from the summit, an emblem of his commitment to continual learning and improvement. His willingness to lead and share his knowledge underscores his evolution from a promising talent to a player other professionals look up to.
Playing Through Pain
Last season was a testament to Crosby's resilience. Despite suffering injuries to his left knee and thumb in Week 2, Crosby managed to participate in 95% of Las Vegas’ defensive snaps. His determination to play through these injuries, both of which required surgeries in January, epitomizes his unwavering dedication to the game. "I was damn near limited every single day, the whole season in practice," Crosby recalled. "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."
His commitment paid off handsomely. Crosby posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him a second-team All-Pro selection and a nod to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year.
Recovery and Recognition
Beginning his personal recovery program on January 22, Crosby has faced the rehabilitation process with the same grit that has defined his playing style. "I had to get two major surgeries, and it's been different," he said, emphasizing his determination to overcome adversity. "But at the end of the day, there's not one street to get to where you want to go, there's multiple."
Crosby's perseverance is not lost on his coaches and teammates. Raiders’ senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with 30 years in football, speaks highly of him: "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."
A Commitment to Excellence
For Crosby, football is more than a seasonal sport; it's a year-round commitment. "You talk about fight camps [lasting] maybe three months, four months; I do it 365 [days]," he states. "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 relentless drive is mirrored in his off-season preparation, a regime designed to ensure he surpasses his own benchmarks. "It made me take a step back so I could take three steps forward, and I feel like that's what this off-season was all about," Crosby explains. "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."
On the Field and Beyond
Crosby's prowess on the field is matched by his financial recognition. In the off-season, he received a $6 million raise without extending his current contract, a clear testament to his value to the team. This follows the four-year extension he signed in March 2022, worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed.
Beyond his personal achievements, Crosby remains one of only two Raiders who played with the team in Oakland, witnessing four coaching changes since 2019. Under their tenure, the Raiders have posted a 39-44 record, with just one playoff appearance. This continuity and experience provide him with a unique perspective on the team's journey and objectives.
Crosby's leadership is also crucial in shaping the broader team's future. With Thayer Munford stepping in as the new starting right tackle, coach Antonio Pierce expressed optimism: "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Maxx Crosby’s journey is one characterized by resilience, relentless dedication, and an insatiable desire to be the best. As he continues to refine his craft and lead both on and off the field, Crosby's legacy promises to be one of enduring impact and inspiration.