In the relentless pursuit of excellence, Maxx Crosby's journey as an elite NFL defensive end has been nothing short of extraordinary. Recently, Crosby co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), alongside fellow defensive powerhouses Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. The summit aimed to gather defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies, fostering a community dedicated to the intricate art of the sack.
Crosby's involvement in the summit is a testament to his growth and impact in the league. "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," Miller remarked. "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."
The rise of Crosby has not come without significant hardships. Last season, he played through arduous knee and thumb injuries, both of which required surgeries in January. Despite the setbacks, Crosby demonstrated unparalleled resilience, participating in 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps and achieving career-high statistics with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. This performance earned him a well-deserved second-team All-Pro selection and his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.
Crosby's health woes began as early as Week 2, yet he remained a constant force on the field. Reflecting on the past season, Crosby said, "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." His dedication to his craft is palpable, as he embarked on a rigorous recovery program starting January 22 to ensure his return to top form.
Maintaining peak physical condition has always been a cornerstone of Crosby's approach. "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," he emphasized. This unwavering commitment is what propels him toward 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."
Crosby's enduring presence in the Raiders' lineup is further highlighted by his lucrative four-year extension worth $95 million, signed in March 2022. The contract includes over $53 million in guaranteed money, and he received a $6 million raise this offseason without even extending his deal. This financial commitment underscores the Raiders' belief in Crosby's unmatched talent and leadership qualities.
Beyond his on-field exploits, Crosby remains one of only two Raiders players who experienced the franchise's days in Oakland, navigating through the team's tumultuous coaching changes. Since 2019, the Raiders have seen the leadership of Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and currently, Antonio Pierce. This era has produced a 39-44 record with only one playoff appearance, a testament to the roller-coaster ride the team has endured.
Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, with an impressive 30 years of football experience, heaped praise on Crosby, reinforcing his elite status. "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.
Amid the Raiders' evolving roster, Crosby's consistency shines brightly. As the team integrates new talent like Thayer Munford, the new starting right tackle, the influence of experienced players like Crosby remains invaluable. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Coach Antonio Pierce noted.
The story of Maxx Crosby is one of perseverance, hard work, and an unyielding drive to be the best. As he continues to forge his path in the NFL, his journey serves as an inspiration to his peers and a beacon of hope for the Raiders' faithful fans.