Maxx Crosby's Ascendance: A Testament to Grit and Determination
In the high-octane world of professional football, few stories are as compelling as that of Maxx Crosby. The Las Vegas Raiders' defensive stalwart co-hosted the renowned "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside NFL legends Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. The summit draws defensive linemen together to share techniques and strategies, with Crosby, an emerging star, playing a significant role this year.
"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 said. "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’s journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Last season, he played through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries in January. He injured his knee in Week 2 but defiantly participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps, demonstrating a level of resilience that’s become synonymous with his name.
Reflecting on the demanding season, Crosby shared, "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 the physical toll, Crosby's performance on the field was nothing short of spectacular. He posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning a second-team All-Pro recognition and securing a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year.
Starting his recovery program on January 22, Crosby’s focus has been unwavering. "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. This mentality has propelled Crosby into elite company, with many considering him the best defensive player in the league.
Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, who has three decades of football experience, remarked, "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."
Beyond his on-field heroics, Crosby's work ethic is unparalleled. "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 explained.
Financially, Crosby's contributions have also been recognized. He received a $6 million raise in the offseason without extending his contract, an indicator of the Raiders' faith in his abilities. This comes after his four-year, $95 million extension signed in March 2022, with over $53 million guaranteed.
Crosby's evolution isn't occurring in isolation. The Raiders, a team steeped in history and transition, have had four head coaches since 2019 and a 39-44 record with one playoff appearance. Senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan's three decades of experience provide a backbone for a team looking to regain its former glory.
Meanwhile, changes continue within the team. Thayer Munford has taken on the role of starting right tackle, a move that Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is optimistic about. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Pierce commented.
Crosby is one of the two remaining Raiders who played with the team in Oakland, a testament to his loyal service and adaptability amidst the franchise’s evolutions. His personal journey, punctuated with challenges and triumphs, reflects a broader narrative of endurance and excellence.
"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 said.
As the Raiders look ahead, Crosby's story serves as an inspirational blueprint—not just for his teammates but for the entire NFL. His relentless pursuit of greatness, even in the face of adversity, epitomizes the spirit of the sport and underscores why he’s considered one of the best in the league.