Maxx Crosby Shows Unsurpassed Dedication Amid Injuries and Achievements
Maxx Crosby has become an emblem of resilience, dedication, and unmatched skill in the NFL. Recently, he co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside defensive titans Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. This event, designed to bring defensive linemen together to share techniques and strategies, stands as a testament to Crosby's growth and status in the league.
Von Miller, reflecting on Crosby's journey, 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."
Crosby's participation at the summit was more than ceremonial. He left with a notebook brimming with new strategies and insights, ready to integrate them into his game. This level of commitment is particularly remarkable given the physical challenges he faced last season.
Playing through Pain
Last season, Crosby played through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgical intervention in January. Despite these setbacks, he managed to participate in 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps. Reflecting on this period, Crosby admitted, "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."
Even with these limitations, Crosby posted career-high numbers, notching 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. His performance earned him a spot on the second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. Crosby started his personal recovery program on January 22, showcasing his unyielding commitment to his craft.
A Leader on and Off the Field
Crosby's influence extends beyond his on-field performance. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with three decades of football experience, offered high praise: "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."
Indeed, Crosby's dedication is reflected in his lifestyle and training regimen. "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," said Crosby.
Facing New Challenges
The Raiders have undergone significant changes since 2019, with four different coaches: Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and now Antonio Pierce. In this dynamic environment, Crosby remains one of only two Raiders still on the roster who played with the team in Oakland. The team’s performance has been inconsistent, with a 39-44 record and just one playoff appearance in that time. Amidst these ups and downs, Crosby has remained a steadfast and influential figure.
In the offseason, Crosby received a $6 million raise without extending his contract, a nod to his invaluable contribution to the team. His four-year extension, signed in March 2022, is worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed. This financial commitment underscores the Raiders' faith in Crosby as a cornerstone of their defense.
On the offensive side, the Raiders look to Thayer Munford as their new starting right tackle. Head Coach Antonio Pierce expressed optimism about Munford's development, stating, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team." The seamless integration of new talent and experienced players like Crosby will be crucial for the team's future success.
The Road Ahead
Crosby approaches the new season with renewed vigor and an unwavering focus on his ultimate goal. "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 shared.
Maxx Crosby stands as a paragon of perseverance and excellence in the NFL. As he continues to evolve and lead both on and off the field, his story inspires not just his teammates but also the broader world of sports.