Maxx Crosby: The Rise of an NFL Defensive Powerhouse
The recent NFL offseason has seen one name stand out above the rest in defensive discussions: Maxx Crosby. The imposing defensive lineman, who recently co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside esteemed NFL veterans Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, continues to garner respect and recognition from peers and pundits alike.
For Crosby, the Sack Summit is more than just an event; it’s a pivotal opportunity to refine his craft. The summit draws defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies, and Crosby has a notebook from the summit filled with invaluable insights. Von Miller noted the significance of Crosby’s involvement, saying, "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 dedication to his development is well-documented. Last season, he played through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries in January. Despite these setbacks, Crosby was on the field for 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps, a testament to his resilience and commitment. Reflecting on his injuries, Crosby shared, "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."
The surgeries, however, have not hindered Crosby's unyielding drive. Beginning his personal recovery program on January 22, he remains laser-focused on his overarching goal. "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," he remarked. His recovery has been as relentless as his on-field performance; "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." For Crosby, it's this unwavering consistency that sets him apart. He emphasizes, "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."
The numbers back up his words. Last season, Crosby posted career-high statistics with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. Such performances earned him a second-team All-Pro nod and his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Within the Raiders organization, his achievements haven't gone unnoticed. Senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with 30 years of football experience, couldn't contain his admiration: "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."
Crosby is one of only two players who were with the Raiders during their time in Oakland still on the roster, highlighting his enduring presence in a team that has seen considerable changes. The Raiders have experienced significant turnover in their coaching staff, with four different head coaches since 2019—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and currently, Antonio Pierce. Despite the changes and challenges, including a 39-44 record with only one playoff appearance since 2019, Crosby remains a cornerstone for the team. His contributions were acknowledged with a $6 million raise this offseason, without extending his contract, a rare vote of confidence in his value and impact. This comes after Crosby signed a substantial four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, in March 2022.
Looking ahead, the Raiders have made additional moves to bolster their roster. One significant change is the introduction of Thayer Munford as the new starting right tackle. Raider's head coach Antonio Pierce is optimistic about Munford's potential impact, stating, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
As Crosby continues to recover and prepare for the forthcoming season, his story is one of relentless pursuit and unwavering dedication. Each day is another step toward his goal of being the best. "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," Crosby reflected. From his tireless work ethic to his strategic insights gleaned from the Sack Summit, Crosby's journey is a textbook example of what it means to strive for greatness in the NFL. As the new season beckons, all eyes will be on Maxx Crosby, waiting to see what heights he will scale next.