Maxx Crosby: A Titan Among Defensive Linemen
Maxx Crosby's evolution into one of the NFL's premier pass rushers has been nothing short of remarkable. Co-hosting the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside legends like Von Miller and Cameron Jordan marks another milestone in his illustrious career. This prestigious event, which brings together the league's elite defensive linemen, provides a platform to exchange techniques and strategies, enabling players to refine their craft and elevate their game.
As Miller remarked, "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. 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 commitment to the game is evident not only in his participation but in the meticulous notes he has taken, filled with insights and strategies from the summit. Last season was a defining one for the defensive end, despite battling significant injuries. Crosby played through excruciating pain from his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries in January. Demonstrating incredible resilience, he injured his knee in Week 2 but still managed to participate in 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps.
"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 reflected on his challenging season.
Regardless of these obstacles, Crosby posted career-high numbers, recording 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, feats that earned him a second-team All-Pro selection and his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. His performance underscores the relentless drive that defines his approach to the sport.
But Crosby’s commitment goes beyond just physical prowess. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with 30 years of football experience, didn't mince words when he said, "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."
Crosby embarked on his recovery program on January 22, with his focus unyieldingly set on returning stronger. "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 explained. This unflinching determination to overcome adversities is further highlighted in his offseason mantra: "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."
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Crosby is one of the few players still on the Raiders' roster from their Oakland days, a testament to his longevity and value to the franchise. The Raiders have seen a revolving door of coaches since 2019—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and most recently, Antonio Pierce—but Crosby's presence has remained a constant. Despite the team's 39-44 record and a single playoff appearance over this period, Crosby’s consistency and leadership have shone through.
This past offseason, the Raiders recognized his value, rewarding him with a $6 million raise without extending his contract. This is on top of the four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, that Crosby signed in March 2022. The commitment is mutual, as the organization looks to players like Crosby to uphold and elevate their defensive line, especially with new starters like right tackle Thayer Munford entering the fray. Coach Antonio Pierce noted, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Crosby's story of perseverance, excellence, and leadership distinguishes him as a beacon for both his team and peers in the league. His journey through injuries, recovery, and constant self-improvement underscores a relentless pursuit of greatness. "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, summing up his unwavering dedication.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Maxx Crosby, not just for the tackles and sacks he records, but for the enduring spirit and indomitable work ethic that he brings to the field every day.