Maxx Crosby Shines at "Sack Summit" Amidst Challenging Season and Notable Raiders Changes
Maxx Crosby recently co-hosted the highly anticipated "Sack Summit" at UNLV alongside Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. This notable event attracts defensive linemen from across the league to exchange techniques and strategies, with Crosby emerging as a significant figure in this collaborative effort. Von Miller praised 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... 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."
Crosby, known for his relentless work ethic, maintained a notebook filled with intricate strategies discussed during the summit. His commitment to improvement is underscored by his performance last season, despite the physical toll it exacted on him. Crosby played through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgeries last January. Reflecting on the season, Crosby commented, "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."
Despite his injuries, Crosby delivered career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, epitomizing his tenacity and skill on the field. His efforts did not go unnoticed, earning him a second-team All-Pro nod and a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year. Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, who has been involved in football for 30 years, expressed high praise for Crosby: "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."
Crosby's resilience was evident as he participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps last season after injuring his knee in Week 2. His recovery program began promptly on January 22, demonstrating his dedicated approach to rehabilitation and preparation. "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," Crosby explained.
The Raiders, amidst significant changes, have seen Crosby as a constant presence. He is one of the two remaining players who were part of the team during their tenure in Oakland, illustrating his loyalty and significance to the franchise. Since 2019, the Raiders have had four coaches—Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce—and have achieved a 39-44 record with one playoff appearance. The resilience of players like Crosby has helped stabilize the team during these transitions.
This offseason, Crosby received a $6 million raise without extending his contract, reflecting his value to the Raiders. He had previously signed a four-year extension worth $95 million, with over $53 million guaranteed in March 2022. "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 remarked, emphasizing his unyielding dedication.
Looking at the team's composition, Thayer Munford has stepped in as the new starting right tackle for the Raiders. Coach Antonio Pierce is optimistic about Munford's impact, stating, "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
Crosby's journey is a testament to his determination and passion for the game. He encapsulates his relentless drive, saying, "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."
As the Raiders navigate a landscape of change and evolution, Maxx Crosby stands out not only for his on-field prowess but also for his unwavering spirit and leadership. His story continues to inspire both teammates and fans, setting a high bar for excellence and resilience in professional sports.