Maxx Crosby: The Heart and Soul of the Raiders' Defense
As he tackled the demanding role of co-host at the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV, Maxx Crosby showcased the leadership and prowess that have transformed him into one of the NFL's premier defensive players. Sharing the stage with legends Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, Crosby embraced his place among the elite, contributing to an event that attracts top defensive linemen eager to exchange techniques and strategies.
"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," said Miller. "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 relentless drive was evident last season, where despite battling significant injuries, he played an astounding 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps. After injuring his knee in Week 2, he soldiered on through injuries to both his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries in January. "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 noted.
Despite these challenges, Crosby's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He logged career-high numbers, amassing 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him a spot on the second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. His dedication and resilience have not gone unnoticed within the organization.
"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," commented Rob Ryan, the Raiders' senior defensive assistant.
Crosby's exceptional season merited a substantial reward. In the offseason, he received a $6 million raise without the need to extend his contract, having already signed a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, in March 2022. Clearly, the Raiders recognize the value he brings to the team, both on and off the field.
Returning stronger from injury is a testament to Crosby's unwavering commitment. He began his rigorous recovery program on January 22, intent on not merely returning to form but surpassing it. "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 remarked.
This steely resolve is a hallmark of Crosby's approach, as evidenced by his offseason preparation. "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 elaborated.
A key figure during the Raiders’ transition from Oakland to Las Vegas, Crosby is one of only two players who were with the franchise during its Oakland days. His tenure has seen a whirlwind of changes, including four different head coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and now Antonio Pierce. Amidst these shifts, Crosby has remained a constant, embodying the gritty resilience that the Raiders aspire to.
This season also sees the advent of new talent on the offensive line, with Thayer Munford stepping in as the starting right tackle. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is optimistic about this development, stating, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Ultimately, Crosby's vision remains laser-focused on being the best in the world. "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 stated with determination.
In a league defined by its fiercely competitive nature, Maxx Crosby stands out not just for his exceptional skills but for his relentless pursuit of excellence. As the upcoming season approaches, the Raiders and their fans can look forward to witnessing the indomitable spirit of a player who leaves everything on the field, every single day.