Maxx Crosby Shines Despite Adversity at Raiders’ Sack Summit
Maxx Crosby has emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination in the NFL. Recently, he co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV, an event that brings together defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies. Joining him were notable players Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, both of whom have watched Crosby grow into one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
Von Miller, reflecting on Crosby's evolution, shared, "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 his craft is evident. Despite playing through significant injuries last season, including a left knee injury sustained in Week 2 and a thumb injury, he participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps. Both injuries required surgeries in January. Crosby recounted his struggles, saying, "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." Yet, his resilience paid off as he posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, leading to his selection as a second-team All-Pro and earning his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
His journey to recovery began on January 22, and despite the setbacks, Crosby remains optimistic and driven. "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, underscoring his unwavering determination.
The Raiders, a team that has undergone significant changes in recent years with four coaches since 2019 (Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce), have found stability and leadership in Crosby. This is evident in their reliance on him not only as a player but as a mentor. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, who has three decades of experience in football, had high praise for 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 asserted.
Crosby's relentless work ethic sets him apart. He shared, "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." This philosophy is critical to his aim of becoming the best in the world, "pound for pound," as he puts it.
Crosby's impact is also felt in the Raiders' broader strategy to build a robust team. This includes the development of younger players like Thayer Munford, the new starting right tackle. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is optimistic about Munford's progress, stating, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Off the field, Crosby's value to the Raiders is recognized in financial terms as well. In the offseason, he received a $6 million raise without extending his contract, an acknowledgment of his vital role and performance. This comes after he signed a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, back in March 2022.
Maxx Crosby’s journey is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he continues to recover and prepare for the upcoming season, there's little doubt that he will remain a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense and an inspirational figure for aspiring defensive players.