Maxx Crosby: The Heart and Soul of Raiders’ Defense
Amid a season characterized by adversity and resilience, Maxx Crosby has emerged not just as a leader but a cornerstone for the Las Vegas Raiders. His participation in the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV, co-hosted with defensive giants Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, underscores his dedication to mastering his craft. The summit, designed to draw defensive linemen together to share techniques and strategies, provided Crosby with a wealth of knowledge, meticulously documented in his notebook.
Despite grappling with injuries to his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgeries in January, Crosby demonstrated an unwavering commitment. He played through pain from Week 2, ultimately participating in 95% of the Raiders' defensive snaps throughout the season. His perseverance yielded career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him second-team All-Pro honors and a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
A Season of Adversity
Crosby’s resolve to push through physical limitations was evident, as he revealed, "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."
Such dedication did not go unnoticed, with Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan heaping praise on 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 remarked, highlighting Crosby’s unique blend of skill and tenacity.
Crosby’s offseason was marked by a focused recovery program that began on January 22. He undertook this journey with the mindset of continuous improvement, emphasizing, "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."
Commitment to Consistency
Crosby’s relentless work ethic sets him apart. "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 shared, underscoring his year-round commitment to conditioning and improvement.
The Raiders' faith in Crosby is palpable, evidenced by a $6 million raise he received in the offseason without extending his contract. This comes on the heels of a four-year extension signed in March 2022, worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed. Such financial confidence reflects the Raider’s recognition of Crosby’s invaluable contribution to the team.
Looking Ahead
As one of only two Raiders still on the roster who played with the team during its Oakland days, Crosby embodies the franchise's spirit amid a period of significant transition. The team has seen four head coaches since 2019—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce—and navigated a 39-44 record with a single playoff appearance during that span.
With Rob Ryan’s extensive 30-year experience and Crosby’s unrelenting drive, the Raiders aim to fortify their defense. Crosby’s influence extends beyond personal accolades; his involvement in guiding the development of new talents like Thayer Munford at right tackle speaks volumes. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," noted Coach Antonio Pierce, highlighting Crosby’s role in nurturing team cohesion and readiness.
Reflecting on his journey, Crosby remarked, "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."
Crosby’s story is one of grit, resilience, and unyielding dedication. As the Raiders look to the future, they do so anchored by a player whose impact extends far beyond the stat sheet—Maxx Crosby is not just a standout defensive end; he is the heart and soul of the Raiders' defense.