Maxx Crosby's Dominance and Dedication: The Making of a Defensive Titan
Maxx Crosby's journey through the NFL has been anything but ordinary. As co-host of the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV, alongside Von Miller and Cameron Jordan, Crosby once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. The event, originally created by Miller, draws defensive linemen to share techniques and strategies. Crosby's notebook from the summit brims with discussions on spin moves, angles, chips, stunts, ice picks, power versus speed, and even using a basketball crossover step to outmaneuver offensive linemen.
"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," Miller said. "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."
### The Road to Recovery
Despite his immense talent, Crosby's path hasn't been without its challenges. Playing through injuries to his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgeries in January, Crosby's determination was palpable. He initially injured his knee in Week 2 but refused to be sidelined, participating in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps last season. While most would see limited practice sessions as a setback, Crosby viewed it differently.
"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.
The offseason proved to be another test for Crosby’s resilience. Undergoing his personal program starting on Jan. 22, he committed to his recovery and further development. Reflecting on the past months, Crosby said, "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."
### A Season to Remember
Last season, Crosby posted career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, asserting his dominance on the defensive front. His stellar performance earned him the recognition of being named second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. The statistics speak volumes, but it’s his work ethic and relentless drive that often leave coaches and peers in awe.
Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan remarked, "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."
Even with such high praise, Crosby continues to seek improvement. His commitment to excellence is evident in his approach to training and preparation. "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 affirmed.
### The Value of Experience
In a team constantly in flux, Crosby’s experience and stability are invaluable. He is one of just two Raiders still on the roster who played with the team in Oakland, alongside left tackle Kolton Miller. Las Vegas has seen its share of changes, having been through four coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and now Antonio Pierce—since 2019. The Raiders have yielded a 39-44 record during this period with a lone playoff appearance.
However, consistency seems to be paying off for Crosby. The Raiders awarded him a $6 million raise this offseason without extending the duration of his contract. This comes after he signed a four-year extension worth $95 million in new money, with over $53 million guaranteed, in March 2022.
### Mentorship and Leadership
As Crosby looks ahead, his role extends beyond personal accolades. The emergence of players like Thayer Munford, the new starting right tackle for the Raiders, underscores the importance of seasoned leaders in the locker room. The presence of veterans like Crosby can significantly accelerate the development of their younger counterparts.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce echoed this sentiment, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Crosby himself remains unsatisfied with merely past accomplishments. "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 stated passionately.
In the world of NFL defense, Maxx Crosby's story is one of perseverance, relentless pursuit of excellence, and an unyielding drive to be the best. As he continues to carve his path among the greats, one thing is certain: Crosby's journey is far from over, and the best chapters are yet to be written.