Maxx Crosby's Grit and Growth: Inside the Journey of an NFL Defensive Star
Maxx Crosby, a standout defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, continues to solidify his position among the NFL's elite pass rushers. Fresh off co-hosting the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside NFL stalwarts Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, Crosby's dedication to perfecting his craft is evident. The summit, which gathers defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies, stands as a testament to Crosby's role as both a student and a mentor of the game.
Von Miller, praising Crosby's growth, 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 determination was put to the test. Despite suffering injuries to his left knee and thumb early in the season, he played through pain, participating in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps. These injuries required surgeries in January, but Crosby's performance on the field never wavered—he posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. His resilience and relentless drive earned him second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year.
Reflecting on his challenging season, Crosby said, "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's dedication to his recovery and improvement is unwavering. He began his personal recovery program on January 22 and approached rehab with the same intensity he showcases on the field. "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," Crosby noted. His commitment to constant improvement and resilience in the face of adversity are hallmarks of his career thus far.
Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with 30 years of experience in football, lavished praise on 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."
One significant change for the Raiders this season is the new starting right tackle, Thayer Munford. Raiders' coach Antonio Pierce shared his thoughts on the rookie lineman's potential impact: "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
The Raiders, under the guidance of four different head coaches since 2019, boast a 39-44 record with one playoff appearance. Despite the tumult, Crosby remains a cornerstone of the team's defense. He is one of only two players still on the roster who played with the team in Oakland, a testament to his longevity and value to the franchise.
Off the field, Crosby's financial recognition mirrors his on-field contributions. In March 2022, he signed a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed. This past offseason, the Raiders showed further appreciation for his indispensable role by granting him a $6 million raise without extending his contract.
Entering this new season, Crosby's mindset remains singularly focused. "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 declared.
As Crosby continues to pursue excellence, his journey stands as an inspiring narrative of resilience, dedication, and unyielding commitment. Whether on the field or at the Sack Summit, he remains a force to be reckoned with, embodying the very spirit of perseverance and passion that defines the heart of professional sports.