In the world of football, commitment, perseverance, and evolution often separate the good from the great. One such player exemplifying these traits is defensive end Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. Crosby's journey through last season, marked by injuries and professional milestones, underscores the relentless spirit that defines elite athletes. His recent involvement in the "Sack Summit" further cemented his status among the NFL's top pass rushers.
Co-hosted by Crosby alongside notable defenders Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, the Sack Summit at UNLV is a unique event where defensive linemen converge to exchange techniques and strategies. Speaking about Crosby's growth, 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... I just thought it was natural to bring Maxx in." Miller's faith in Crosby's capabilities is evident not just in his words, but also in the responsibility he entrusted to him for ensuring the summit's future.
Despite battling significant injuries last season, Crosby's performance on the field was nothing short of remarkable. He played through a compromised left knee, injured in Week 2, and a bum thumb, both of which necessitated offseason surgeries. Reflecting on his challenging 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 was visible as he participated in 95% of the Raiders' defensive snaps and posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles.
Crosby's resilience did not go unnoticed. He was named second-team All-Pro and earned a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, a veteran with 30 years in football, didn't hesitate to lavish praise on 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."
The off-season brought both challenges and rewards for Crosby. He began his recovery program on January 22, aiming to regain his form post-surgery. He articulated his mindset towards recovery and progress with compelling clarity: "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." This relentless pursuit of excellence is what sets Crosby apart, as he emphasized, "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."
The Raiders organization recognized Crosby's contributions and potential, awarding him a $6 million raise in the offseason without extending his contract. This comes after a substantial four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, signed in March 2022. As one of only two remaining Raiders who played with the team in Oakland, Crosby also represents a bridge between the past and present of the franchise.
Stability, however, has been elusive for the Raiders as a team. They have cycled through four head coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce—since 2019 and have a 39-44 record with just one playoff appearance in that time span. The turnover has been a challenge, yet it’s players like Crosby who serve as anchors amidst the turbulence. With new starting right tackle Thayer Munford stepping up, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce hopes this will hasten the team's development, stating, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Crosby's journey is a testament to the unyielding spirit of a professional athlete. His role in the Sack Summit, his perseverance through injury, his professional accolades, and his dedication to the Raiders embody what it means to be exceptional in his field. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Maxx Crosby to see how his unwavering commitment translates into performance on the field.