Maxx Crosby: A Testament to Resilience and Skill
Maxx Crosby, the defensive cornerstone of the Las Vegas Raiders, continues to solidify his status as one of the NFL's elite players. Recently, he co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside fellow defensive stalwarts Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, a testament to his growing influence in the league. The summit is a prestigious gathering of defensive linemen, aimed at sharing and refining techniques and strategies.
Von Miller emphasized Crosby's growth, stating, "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." With such endorsements, it's clear that Crosby's involvement is a significant nod to his status among the NFL's best.
Despite enduring a grueling season plagued by injuries, Crosby's performance on the field remained impeccable. Playing through ailments in his left knee and thumb, both necessitating surgeries in January, Crosby showed remarkable resilience. "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 revealed. His commitment to the game is undeniable, as he participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps last season, even after injuring his knee in Week 2.
Crosby's dedication paid off in the form of career-best numbers. Last season, he recorded an impressive 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, a 30-year veteran in the sport, lauded Crosby's prowess, stating, "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."
The offseason brought about changes and new beginnings for the Raiders. Notably, Thayer Munford has stepped into the role of starting right tackle. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is hopeful about Munford's potential, saying, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
For Crosby, this offseason has been a period of intense recovery and reflection. He began his personal recovery program on January 22, showing the same unwavering dedication that characterizes his approach to the game. Reflecting on his injuries and surgeries, Crosby remarked, "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."
Last year, the Raiders struggled with consistency, juggling four different head coaches since 2019 and achieving a 39-44 record with just one playoff appearance. Despite the team's challenges, Crosby's individual excellence earned him a $6 million raise this offseason, without an extension to his existing four-year, $95 million contract signed in March 2022, which includes over $53 million guaranteed.
Crosby's relentless drive sets him apart. "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 passionately noted. This mentality is what fuels his aspiration to be the best in the world, pound for pound.
Indeed, Crosby's journey is a blend of grit, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues to navigate his career, one thing remains certain: Maxx Crosby embodies the spirit and resilience of a true NFL great.