Maxx Crosby’s Inspiring Journey and Leadership at the Sack Summit
Maxx Crosby, known for his relentless drive and incredible athleticism, continues to solidify his place among the NFL’s elite defensive players. This was most recently illustrated at the "Sack Summit," an event he co-hosted with fellow defensive stalwarts Von Miller and Cameron Jordan at UNLV. The summit, recognized for drawing defensive linemen together to share techniques and strategies, stood as a testament to Crosby’s commitment to the game.
Von Miller, a seasoned veteran, expressed his admiration for Crosby, saying, "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."
This year’s summit left Crosby with a notebook filled with extensive notes on various defensive strategies, reflecting his continuous quest for improvement. Despite battling injuries throughout the last season, Crosby showcased unwavering dedication. He played through significant pain from injuries to his left knee and thumb, both of which required surgeries soon after the season concluded. Remarkably, he injured his knee in Week 2 and yet participated in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps.
"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," he revealed, highlighting his resilience. His efforts did not go unnoticed; Crosby recorded career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles last season. His remarkable performance earned 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 dedicated 30 years to football, stated, "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."
Beyond his physical prowess, Crosby’s mental toughness has been a cornerstone of his career. Reflecting on his recovery journey, he shared, "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."
Since he began his personal recovery program on January 22, Crosby has been relentless in ensuring he returns stronger. "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 remarked with his characteristic determination.
Despite the adversities, the Raiders have shown faith in his potential. This offseason, Crosby received a $6 million raise without extending his contract, a solid affirmation of his value to the team. Notably, he signed a four-year extension worth $95 million in March 2022, with over $53 million guaranteed.
As the Raiders look to rebound from their 39-44 record since 2019 and a turbulent coaching carousel that saw four different coaches in the span of four years, Crosby’s leadership will be more vital than ever. He remains one of the two players still on the roster who played with the Raiders in Oakland, underscoring his deep-rooted connection with the franchise. His presence and performance will be pivotal as new elements, such as Thayer Munford stepping in as the starting right tackle, aim to strengthen the team.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is hopeful about leveraging Crosby's influence to enhance the team's dynamics. "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team," Pierce noted.
In a league where consistency is often elusive, Crosby’s approach remains 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."
As Maxx Crosby continues to embrace challenges and set new standards, his journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for determination and excellence in the NFL. The Sack Summit may have been just another event for some, but for Crosby, it was a reminder of the relentless pursuit of greatness that has come to define his career.