Maxx Crosby's Resilient Journey: Leadership, Challenges, and Excellence
The recent "Sack Summit" held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) saw the convergence of some of the NFL's premier defensive talents. Co-hosted by Maxx Crosby, alongside Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, the event aimed to refine and share techniques among defensive linemen. For Crosby, this summit was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to his growth and his dedication to the craft.
Von Miller, one of the most respected pass rushers in the league, spoke highly of Crosby, underscoring his exponential development. "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. I don't know how many years I got left, but Maxx, he's going to play another 10," Miller remarked.
Crosby’s resolve and grit are not just evident through his accolades but also through his perseverance amidst injuries. Last season, Crosby played through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb. Despite these challenges, he participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps. "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," Crosby revealed.
The off-season was no break for Crosby, who underwent surgeries for his knee and thumb in January and began his recovery program shortly after on January 22nd. His commitment to recovery and improvement has been unwavering. "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 said, reflecting on his journey.
Despite the setbacks, Crosby's performance on the field was nothing short of stellar. He recorded career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. His efforts were acknowledged with a second-team All-Pro selection and his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan lauded Crosby's extraordinary talent, "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."
Crosby’s dedication transcends beyond the regular season into a relentless year-round pursuit of excellence. "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 stated.
The Raiders, a team with a tumultuous past few years, have seen Crosby as a consistent pillar. He is one of just two players still on the team who played with the franchise in Oakland. Since 2019, the Raiders have been under the leadership of four different coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce—showcasing a period of instability. They’ve managed a record of 39-44 over that span, with just one playoff appearance. Yet, within this flux, Crosby has been a beacon of consistency and elite performance.
This offseason, Crosby was rewarded with a $6 million raise, without extending his existing contract. His commitment to the franchise was affirmed last March when he signed a four-year extension worth $95 million, including over $53 million guaranteed.
Looking forward, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce highlighted the growth potential within the team, specifically mentioning Thayer Munford, the new starting right tackle. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Pierce expressed. This sentiment aligns with Crosby's own philosophy of continuous improvement, "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 declared.
As Crosby continues to lead both on and off the field, with his diligent approach and intrinsic drive, his journey symbolizes resilience and uncompromising ambition. The "Sack Summit" and his impressive recovery post-injury are just chapters in his ongoing narrative of excellence. For the Raiders, having a player of Crosby's caliber and leadership is not just a benefit, but a cornerstone to build upon in their quest for success.