At the center of the recent "Sack Summit" hosted at UNLV, NFL defensive standout Maxx Crosby co-led sessions alongside elite pass rushers Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. This summit offers defensive linemen an invaluable opportunity to exchange strategies and techniques, ultimately working to elevate their gameplay. Of all attendees, Crosby particularly stood out, not only for his contributions but for the handwritten notes he diligently collected throughout the event.
Despite facing substantial physical adversity last season, Crosby's performance was nothing short of remarkable. He sustained injuries to both his left knee and thumb as early as Week 2, yet he played through the pain, participating in an astonishing 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive snaps. His determination culminated in career-high stats: 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles. Hindered but not hampered, Crosby underwent surgeries for both injuries in January and launched into his recovery on January 22.
Reflecting on his grueling season, Crosby shared, "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."
Entering the Summit as a respected figure in the defensive lineup, Crosby's presence was championed by fellow athlete Von Miller. "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 remarked.
That consistency and drive are key traits that Crosby attributes to his success. "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 explained.
Crosby's exceptional performance earned him significant accolades. He was named second-team All-Pro and selected for the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year. Raiders' senior defensive assistant, Rob Ryan, who has rendered his expertise to football for three decades, even went as far as to declare, "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."
In the offseason, Crosby secured a $6 million raise while his contract, a four-year extension worth $95 million with over $53 million guaranteed, remains intact. This financial boost underscores the Raiders' recognition of his paramount role in their defense.
As the Raiders look ahead, the team also witnesses significant changes. Thayer Munford steps into the role of starting right tackle, a move that head coach Antonio Pierce believes will expedite Munford's growth and improve the team's competitiveness. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Pierce commented.
Amid all the team transitions, it's worth noting that Crosby is one of the last remaining Raiders who played in Oakland, an era that feels like a different lifetime given the recent coaching carousel. The team has experienced four head coaches since 2019: Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and now Antonio Pierce. This period has been turbulent for Raiders fans, with a 39-44 record and only one playoff appearance.
Nonetheless, Crosby remains undeterred. Even throughout his recovery, his resolve to improve and be the best kept him focused. "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," said Crosby.
Maxx Crosby's journey epitomizes resilience, grit, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he continues to elevate his game and inspire those around him, the future of the Raiders' defense looks promising under his relentless pursuit of greatness.