Maxx Crosby: A Defensive Powerhouse Still on the Rise
Maxx Crosby's commitment to his craft was on full display as he co-hosted the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside renowned pass rushers Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. This annual event attracts top defensive linemen eager to share techniques and strategies, fostering a community devoted to excellence. For Crosby, his participation wasn't just about sharing his expertise but also about continuous learning, demonstrated by a notebook filled with discussions and strategies from the summit.
Miller, recognizing Crosby's dedication, 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."
Last season, Crosby's resilience was tested as he played through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries in January. Despite being "damn near limited every single day, the whole season in practice," Crosby managed to participate in 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps. These challenges, however, did not hinder his performance. In fact, Crosby posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year.
The rigorous season took its toll, prompting Crosby to begin his personal recovery program on January 22. Reflecting on his adversity, Crosby noted, "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."
Such determination has not gone unnoticed. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, who boasts 30 years of football experience, did not mince words about Crosby's place in the sport. "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 stated.
Crosby's ability to maintain peak performance speaks to his unwavering dedication. "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 said.
His commitment was further rewarded in the offseason with a $6 million raise, though it did not extend his contract. Crosby had already secured financial stability in March 2022 by signing a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed.
Beyond individual accolades, Crosby's leadership and experience remain invaluable to the Raiders. He is one of only two players still on the roster who experienced the franchise's days in Oakland. The Raiders have undergone significant changes since 2019, cycling through four head coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce—and compiling a 39-44 record with just one playoff appearance.
The arrival of Thayer Munford as the new starting right tackle aims to bolster the team's offensive line. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce expressed optimism, saying, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Crosby, however, remains laser-focused on his personal and professional goals. His offseason approach reflects his relentless pursuit of 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," he elaborated.
As the new season approaches, Crosby's tenacity, skill, and leadership will be vital to the Raiders' aspirations. Whether through tackling opponents or mentoring younger players, Crosby remains a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense and a testament to the power of perseverance and excellence.