Maxx Crosby’s journey through adversity to greatness has been nothing short of inspirational. The recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV, co-hosted by Crosby alongside Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, serves as a testament to his rise as one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL. The summit, which draws defensive linemen from across the league to share techniques and strategies, was a fitting stage for Crosby to showcase his invaluable skills and futuristic mindset.
Von Miller, one of the most respected figures in the league, acknowledged Crosby's evolution. "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 said. The honors are not just ceremonial; Crosby contributes significantly to the strategic discussions, immortalizing them in a notebook filled with notes from the summit.
Crosby’s commitment to his craft is clear, demonstrated by his on-field perseverance despite battling significant injuries last season. Playing through pain, Crosby endured through injuries to both his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgeries in January. Regardless, he participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps and achieved career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. "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," he explained.
The mental and physical toll was extraordinary, but Crosby never wavered. “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,” he remarked. For Crosby, the path to success is multifaceted, involving rigorous training and relentless dedication. “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 asserted.
The linebacker’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Last season, Crosby was named second-team All-Pro and earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, someone with 30 years of experience in football, lauded Crosby, stating, “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 resilience also secured him a significant financial uplift. During the offseason, he received a $6 million raise without extending his existing contract. In addition, he inked a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, in March 2022. These financial commitments underline the Raiders' faith in Crosby’s potential to lead their defensive line for years to come.
Currently, Maxx Crosby stands as one of only two Raiders who played with the team during their Oakland tenure, a testament to his loyalty and enduring presence. Since 2019, the Raiders have undergone significant transformations, with four different head coaches - Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. During this period, they have maintained a 39-44 record, reflecting the upheaval and growth within the team.
The Raiders’ coaching staff is optimistic about the developmental growth among new players like Thayer Munford, the newly appointed starting right tackle. “Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team,” said coach Antonio Pierce.
Reflecting on his offseason recuperation and preparation, Crosby communicated a focused vision for the future. “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 stated. His dedication ensures that he will continue to anchor the Raiders' defense while chasing his aspirations of greatness.