Maxx Crosby: The Ultimate Warrior in Silver and Black
Maxx Crosby's journey to becoming one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL has been nothing short of riveting. At the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV, co-hosted by NFL stalwarts Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, Crosby's commitment and evolution were crystal clear. "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," said Miller. "I don't know how many years I got left, but Maxx, he's going to play another 10." With a glowing endorsement from a future Hall of Famer, Crosby's influence on the Raiders and the summit itself is evident.
The summit, designed to draw defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies, provided Crosby with ample material to fill his trusty notebook. It's these strategic discussions and peer interactions that have clearly impacted his game. Despite playing through considerable pain last season, Crosby not only participated in 95% of the Raiders' defensive snaps but also posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. "I was damn near limited every single day, the whole season in practice," Crosby admitted. "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."
Perseverance Amidst Adversity
Crosby's grueling season saw him soldiering through injuries that required surgeries in January, both to his left knee and his thumb. His knee injury in Week 2 could have sidelined many, but Crosby continued battling, earning his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro nod. Reflecting on his resilience, Crosby said, "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."
The ethos of relentless improvement is something Crosby personifies. Having begun his recovery program on January 22, his objective has been clear: to be the best. "My one goal is to be the best in the world, pound for pound," Crosby stated. "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."
A Pillar in a Transitional Team
Within the Raiders organization, Crosby's role as a cornerstone cannot be overstated. He stands as one of only two players remaining from the franchise's Oakland days, experiencing the team's relocation and subsequent coaching shuffle firsthand. Since 2019, the Raiders have cycled through four head coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and currently, Antonio Pierce—compiling a 39-44 record with just one playoff appearance in that span. Amidst the turbulence, Crosby has been a constant, both in his presence and performance.
Rob Ryan, who has 30 years of football experience and currently serves as the Raiders' senior defensive assistant, holds Crosby in the highest 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," Ryan asserted. "Now, I've only been around it 30 years, but I mean, he's that good."
Financial Recognition and Future Prospects
Crosby's contributions have not gone unnoticed by the Raiders' front office. In March 2022, he penned a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed. This offseason, Crosby further received a $6 million raise without extending his contract, a testament to his value to the team. As the Raiders continue their rebuild, Crosby's influence will be critical, both on and off the field.
Impact on Teammates
New Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is optimistic about integrating new talent into the fold, with players like Thayer Munford stepping into starting roles. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Pierce remarked. Crosby, with his consistent hard work and unyielding mentality, serves as an ideal mentor for younger players stepping into crucial positions.
In Crosby, the Raiders not only have a prolific pass rusher but also a paragon of perseverance and dedication. His journey, characterized by resilience through injury and unwavering commitment to his craft, offers a blueprint for aspiring athletes and a beacon of hope for Raiders fandom. As he continues to carve out his legacy in the NFL, there's no doubt Crosby will remain a pivotal force in Silver and Black, embodying the very spirit of the franchise's storied past and promising future.