Maxx Crosby's Season of Resilience and Recognition
Maxx Crosby’s journey through the recent NFL season can be best described as a testament to his relentless determination and remarkable skill. A central figure in the Raiders' roster, Crosby not only co-hosted the compelling "Sack Summit" at UNLV with veterans Von Miller and Cameron Jordan but also battled through significant physical adversities.
At the "Sack Summit," the focus was on defense as linemen gathered to exchange valuable techniques and strategies. Crosby, who has been attending the summit for years, has transitioned into a key figure, ensuring the summit's legacy. As Von Miller stated, "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." This acknowledgment from Miller, a seasoned professional, underscores Crosby’s burgeoning influence and dedication.
Despite suffering a knee injury as early as Week 2, Crosby managed to participate in an astonishing 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps last season. This led to impressive career-high statistics with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, accolades that earned him second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. Reflecting on his perseverance, Crosby remarked, "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 physical toll was immense, culminating in surgeries to address injuries to both his left knee and thumb. Crosby began his recovery on January 22, reflecting his commitment to continuous improvement and resilience. He acknowledged the challenging road ahead, stating, "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’s unwavering spirit and tireless work ethic have not gone unnoticed. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with 30 years of experience, did not shy away from expressing 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. Now, I've only been around it 30 years, but I mean, he's that good."
This commitment to excellence extends beyond the field. "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 explained, highlighting his dedication and drive to be the best year-round.
Off the field, Crosby’s contributions continue to be recognized financially. This offseason, he received a significant $6 million raise without an extension, a testament to his value to the Raiders’ organization. Having signed a lucrative four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed in March 2022, Crosby's position with the team appears solidified.
One notable change on the Raiders' roster is the promotion of Thayer Munford to the starting right tackle position. Reflecting on this, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce expressed optimism, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
As one of the two remaining Raiders who played with the team during its Oakland days, Crosby represents both the past and the promising future of the team. Amidst the coaching carousel with four different leaders since 2019—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce—the Raiders have endured a 39-44 record with only one playoff appearance. Yet, Crosby’s resilience and outstanding performance offer a beacon of hope and excellence.
Looking ahead, Crosby is focused and determined. "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," he asserted. Indeed, the journey of Maxx Crosby continues to inspire, marked by an unyielding quest for greatness and an unwavering commitment to his craft.