59.5 sacks and more than 350 tackles in just 6 seasons, looking at Maxx Crosby’s stat sheet, you can easily understand why the Raiders gave him a historic deal. Actually, not just historic, his $106.5M extension meant he is now the highest paid non-QB in NFL history. Like, of course, his productions are a major factor in the Raiders calling Crosby to the negotiating table for the 3rd time in 4 years and duly rewarded him handsomely. But this journey to wearing the Vegas crown could have been way different if not for Crosby’s Iron Will. There was a time when Crosby was sinking to his lowest but still managed to sack his problems weighing on his sheer will to keep winning.
Sitting down with Charissa Thompson, Crosby opened up when his Ironman effort took a huge toll on him. “That first year of sobriety was so hard and I went through so much mentally.” Translation: Crosby is referring to his second year with the Raiders where he was banged up all season but still played and started all 16 games. Then, following the conclusion of the 2020 season, Crosby had to get surgery on his torn labrum and broken hand. Well, at that time it looked like Crosby was going to lose some of his explosiveness. However, he didn’t allow those dual surgeries to keep him down even though it was taking a toll on him mentally.
As Crosby continued, “I got my surgery, we went back to Vegas and like literally everything changed. Sat with a nutritionist, got with the strength staff, got with everybody. I’m like, listen, I’m not trying to be a middle of the road guy or a good story. I’m like, I’m trying to be the best, I’m gonna do everything I can to make it happen. And he did look at him now. Thompson also added a bit of her thoughts, after hearing Crosby’s inspiring journey first-hand. “Congrats on your new deal, your new life & amazing commitment to excellence,” Thompson said, sharing the interview on her story.
Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warms up against the Kansas City Chiefs prior go a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
I mean Crosby never actually looked back since those surgeries that threatened his career. Coming back from rehab, Crosby took the gridiron by storm in 2021. Winning his first second-team All-Pro and his first of 4 consecutive Pro Bowls. It’s like that setback ignited a fire in him which only grew bigger. In his 4th year with the Raiders, Crosby posted career-high numbers in sacks (12.5) and total tackles (89). And the following year was even better than the rest. Crosby posted 90 tackles and 14.5 sacks while leading the league in tackles for losses for the second consecutive year.
That’s why it wasn’t really surprising to be honest when the Raiders gave him such an enormous deal. Despite all the rumors swirling around a potential trade out of Vegas, the Raiders poured cold water on those rumors in some style (What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas).
Maxx Crosby’s reaction to getting the deal of the century
“I want to be a Raider for life.” Crosby’s words to the Raiders front office didn’t go unnoticed when there were still questions on his Vegas future. The club he has given it all from playing through injuries to never complaining about the lack of success. But imagining Crosby playing somewhere else other than Vegas was actually impossible. Hell, in a league where QBs are supposedly the face of every franchise. Ever since Crosby stepped into town, he has been the face. And trading away your icon just when a rebuild is in progress wouldn’t have gone down well.
As Raiders head coach Pete Carroll explained, “There’s no way we could find anybody that is more focused and directed and committed to giving everything he’s got to every opportunity to get. For us to make this statement today is like it fits perfectly. I’m so proud to have Maxx be part of the organization.” Actually, Crosby had the perfect reaction when he signed that deal. Sitting with his daughter, Ella Rose, on his lap, Crosby shared with us the moment he signed those papers. He even captioned the story with one simple message, “Iconic.”
Well, he indeed is a Raiders icon. So, getting an iconic deal to kickstart a new era with Tom Brady at the helm fits perfectly to be honest. So, let’s see how Crosby takes his game to even greater heights. Because if the Raiders really want to turn their franchise’s fortunes around, they will need Crosby to lead from the front. And this $35.5M per season deal will only motivate him further to reach those monstrous levels—if he wasn’t in that zone already.
The post FOX Reporter Charissa Thompson Sends Powerful Message to Maxx Crosby on Struggles After Raiders’ New Deal appeared first on EssentiallySports.
