Maxx Crosby Continues to Shine Amid Adversity
In the high-stakes world of professional football, Maxx Crosby has emerged as a beacon of perseverance, resilience, and unparalleled talent. Co-hosting the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside NFL stalwarts Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, Crosby has firmly positioned himself as one of the premier pass-rushers in the league.
Originally a brainchild of Von Miller, the Sack Summit attracts top-tier defensive linemen who gather to share techniques and strategies. Miller praised Crosby, 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... 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 craft is evident in the meticulous notes he took during the summit, filled with valuable insights and strategies. This commitment has been crucial, especially given the physical challenges he faced last season.
Crosby played through injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries in January. "I was damn near limited every single day, the whole season in practice," Crosby revealed. "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."
Despite the injuries, Crosby remained a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense, participating in 95% of the team's defensive snaps. His resilience culminated in a career-high 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles last season, earning him second-team All-Pro honors and his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. The accolades came amid a tumultuous period for the Raiders, who have seen four coaches since 2019 - Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce.
Crosby began his personal recovery program on January 22 and has not looked back since. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, "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." His ability to bounce back underscores his philosophy: "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."
Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, a veteran with three decades in the sport, has nothing but respect for Crosby. "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 remarked. "Now, I've only been around it 30 years, but I mean, he's that good."
During the offseason, Crosby received a $6 million raise without extending his contract, a testament to his value to the Raiders. In March 2022, he signed a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, securing his future with the team. Among the current roster, Crosby is one of the few players still with the Raiders since their days in Oakland, symbolizing continuity amid change.
As the Raiders gear up for the upcoming season, new starting right tackle Thayer Munford will be a key addition. Coach Antonio Pierce is hopeful that Munford's development will enhance the team's overall performance. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Pierce noted.
Crosby's relentless work ethic sets him apart. "You talk about fight camps [lasting] maybe three months, four months; I do it 365 [days]," he said. "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."
With his combination of raw talent, determination, and leadership, Maxx Crosby is set to continue making an indelible mark on the NFL. His journey from battling through injuries to co-hosting one of the most prestigious summits for defensive linemen demonstrates that hard work and resilience can indeed pave the way to greatness.