Maxx Crosby's Resilience and Commitment Shine in Challenging NFL Season
Maxx Crosby, co-hosting the influential "Sack Summit" at UNLV with stalwarts Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, continues to fortify his reputation among the league’s elite defensive linemen. The summit, which draws top talent to exchange strategies and techniques, saw Crosby emerge as not just a participant but a key figure, underlining his growth in the sport.
Von Miller, speaking on Crosby's ascension, noted, "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." This testament from Miller highlights not just Crosby's prowess but also his commitment to the craft.
Last season tested Crosby’s resilience. Playing through injuries to his left knee and thumb, he required surgeries for both in January. His knee injury, sustained in Week 2, did little to diminish his on-field presence. Despite the physical toll, Crosby played in 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps, a testament to his endurance and dedication. "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 on his challenging season.
This battle through injuries culminated in impressive on-field performance. Crosby recorded career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning second-team All-Pro honors and a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. "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 said, encapsulating his mindset towards overcoming obstacles.
Raiders’ senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, a 30-year veteran in the sport, holds Crosby in high regard. "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, offering high praise for the Raiders’ cornerstone.
Off the field, Crosby's commitment to his recovery and preparation is unwavering. He began his personal recovery program promptly on January 22, aiming to return stronger. "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," Crosby remarked, emphasizing his dedication.
In addition to his physical resilience, Crosby’s dedication to the Raiders organization is evident. He is one of only two players still with the team who played in Oakland, and he recently received a $6 million raise without extending his contract. His four-year extension signed in March 2022, worth $95 million with over $53 million guaranteed, underscores his value to the team.
The Raiders have seen significant changes in coaching staff, with four different head coaches since 2019—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. Despite these shifts, the team has a 39-44 record since 2019 with just one playoff appearance. However, the commitment of players like Crosby provides hope for a brighter future. Coach Antonio Pierce recently commented on the team's direction, saying, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Thayer Munford], and makes us a better team," referring to the new starting right tackle for the Raiders.
As Maxx Crosby continues his journey, his narrative is one of unwavering tenacity and inspiring commitment. Reflecting on his offseason and future goals, Crosby stated, "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." His words resonate as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the field.