Maxx Crosby's Unwavering Drive: A Journey Through Injury and Triumph
Maxx Crosby's relentless pursuit of greatness continues to set him apart as one of the NFL's premier defensive players. Recently, Crosby co-hosted the "Sack Summit" at UNLV with fellow pass-rushing elites Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, an event that brings together defensive linemen to refine their techniques and strategies. According to Miller, the decision to involve Crosby in hosting duties felt natural.
"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.
Crosby's rise to prominence has not been without its setbacks. Last season, he played through injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries in January. Remarkably, he managed to participate in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps, despite injuring his knee as early as Week 2.
"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 explained. His resilience paid off, as he posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him second-team All-Pro honors and a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
However, the rigors of a demanding season took their toll, necessitating surgeries for both the knee and thumb. Crosby began his recovery program on January 22, undeterred by the road ahead. "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 reflected. This mindset has been integral to his consistent performance and development.
Crosby's Commitment to Excellence
Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan lauded Crosby's dedication and skill, placing him among the best he has ever seen in his 30-year career. "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," Ryan stated.
Crosby's commitment is unwavering. "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 emphasized.
This relentless drive is evident not only in his physical preparation but also in his mental and tactical approach. Crosby left the "Sack Summit" with a notebook filled with discussions and strategies, a testament to his meticulous nature and eagerness to improve continually.
Leadership and Impact
As one of only two Raiders players still on the roster who were with the team during their Oakland days, Crosby's leadership is vital for a franchise that has seen significant changes. Since 2019, the Raiders have had four different head coaches: Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. Their record of 39-44 with one playoff appearance reflects the instability that has beset the team.
Despite this, Crosby remains a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense. His recent $6 million raise in the offseason, without extending his contract, underscores his value to the team. It follows the substantial four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed, that he signed in March 2022.
New beginnings are also taking shape on the offensive line, with Thayer Munford stepping in as the new starting right tackle. Coach Antonio Pierce hopes this change will bolster the team's performance. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Pierce remarked.
Looking Ahead
Crosby continues to push forward, undeterred by past injuries and with his eyes set on new heights. "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 the upcoming season approaches, Crosby's unwavering commitment to excellence and leadership will undoubtedly be vital to the Raiders' aspirations. His journey of perseverance through injury and relentless pursuit of improvement continues to inspire, setting a benchmark for what it means to be a true professional in the NFL.