Maxx Crosby: The Pinnacle of Perseverance and Passion
The recent "Sack Summit" co-hosted by Maxx Crosby at UNLV alongside NFL veterans Von Miller and Cameron Jordan provided an invaluable platform for defensive linemen to refine their techniques and strategies. Crosby, who has a notebook brimming with insights from the summit, exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence in professional sports.
Reflecting on his involvement in the Sack Summit, Miller remarked, "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."
Crosby's dedication to his craft is unmistakable, especially in the face of adversity. Last season, he played through significant 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… 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 shared. These injuries date back to Week 2, yet Crosby still participated in an astonishing 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps.
The results of his commitment were evident. Crosby posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning himself a second-team All-Pro honor and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. His performances on the field have not gone unnoticed, with the Raiders providing him a $6 million raise this offseason. Notably, this significant boost in salary came without any extension to his existing contract, which he signed in March 2022. This current four-year extension is worth $95 million, with more than $53 million guaranteed.
Raiders' senior defensive assistant, Rob Ryan, who boasts an impressive 30-year career in football, holds Crosby in high regard, "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 journey is characterized by resilience and a relentless drive to improve. He began his personal recovery program on January 22, determined to return stronger and more formidable. "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 noted, showcasing his adaptable mindset and undeterred ambition.
Entering the new season, Thayer Munford has been named the new starting right tackle for the Raiders. First-time coach Antonio Pierce expressed optimism about his development, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
During Crosby's tenure, the Raiders have seen considerable coaching shifts, with Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce each taking the helm since 2019. Despite these changes, the team has maintained a 39-44 record with one playoff appearance, a testament to resilience and continuous effort.
Crosby remains one of the few remaining players who transitioned with the team from Oakland to Las Vegas, a symbol of continuity amid change. His unwavering dedication to improvement is evident in his own words, "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."
As Crosby looks forward to the season, he remains steadfast in his mission. "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," he asserted, encapsulating his relentless spirit and unwavering focus on excellence.
The journey of Maxx Crosby is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and an undying quest for greatness. His story continues to inspire and set an example of what it means to be committed to one's craft, no matter the obstacles.