Maxx Crosby's Journey Through Adversity and Triumph: A Defensive Star's Rise to the Top
In the high-stakes world of professional football, few stories are as compelling as that of Maxx Crosby, the tenacious defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders. Recently, Crosby co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside elite peers Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. This annual event draws defensive linemen from across the league to exchange techniques and strategies, and Crosby's involvement signals his ascent to the upper echelons of NFL defenders.
“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,” remarked Von 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.” Miller's endorsement speaks volumes about Crosby's reputation and future prospects in the league.
Last season was a testament to Crosby’s resilience and dedication. Playing through injuries to his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgeries in January, Crosby’s determination was unwavering. He injured his knee in Week 2 and yet astonishingly participated in 95% of Las Vegas' 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.
This grueling perseverance paid off. Crosby posted career-high numbers, amassing 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him a second-team All-Pro selection and a third consecutive Pro Bowl nod. Despite the hurdles, he remained unyielding. “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're multiple,” he said.
Crosby’s commitment to excellence is further evident in his off-season regimen. Beginning his personal recovery program on Jan. 22, Crosby’s focus never wavered. “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 asserted.
His work ethic and achievements have not gone unnoticed within the Raiders organization. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with 30 years in football, lauded Crosby, 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.”
Meanwhile, changes continue to sweep through the Raiders team. Thayer Munford steps into the critical role of starting right tackle, with head coach Antonio Pierce hopeful about Munford's future. “Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team,” Pierce commented.
Despite the revolving door of head coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and now Antonio Pierce—since 2019, Crosby remains a steadfast pillar. He is one of only two Raiders still on the roster who played with the team during its Oakland days. This period has seen a 39-44 record and just one playoff appearance, underscoring the tumult that Crosby has endured and continued to excel through.
Amidst these organizational shifts, Crosby secured a $6 million raise in the off-season, all without extending his contract. This is a notable testament to his value within the team. His current contract, a four-year extension signed in March 2022 worth $95 million with over $53 million guaranteed, reflects the organization's faith in his abilities.
In a league defined by physicality and strategy, Crosby's story is one of relentless pursuit. “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 declared.
Maxx Crosby's journey through adversity to triumph highlights his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. As he continues to carve out his place among the elite, both the Raiders and the NFL at large will be watching closely.