Maxx Crosby Supports Friend With Cancer in 1-Word Message After Surprising Former Raiders HC

“Every single day I wake up, I’m focused on making an impact and growing—not only as a human but by helping others improve their lives and giving them better opportunities.” This is what Maxx Crosby said when he was selected as a nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2023.

If you are a true Raiders fan, there’s an explanation needed as to how unique Maxx Crosby’s personality is. His love for giving back to the surrounding people is exceptional. For giving you another example, the defender recently shared a heartfelt message for his friend battling cancer.

The Raiders star defensive end shared the story of his friend on his IG Story, and it was nothing short of emotional. He posted a heartfelt message for his friend, Marko Ulaj, who has been dealing with cancer for quite some time. While sharing the story, Crosby simply used a one-word message: “Soldier.”

Marko Ulaj frequently updates his friends and family about his health using the hashtag ‘#f—cancer’, showing an unbreakable fighting spirit. Maybe this warrior-like attitude is what inspired Crosby to call him a soldier.

If we look at his story, it seems like Maxx’s visit was a surprise. The Raiders star has now pulled off two surprises for two different people in a single week—one for Marko Ulaj and another for a former Raiders head coach. But before we talk about the surprise he gave to his former HC, let’s acknowledge his work for the community and those in need.

Just like he showed empathy for his friend battling cancer, Crosby has done incredible work—not only in the Las Vegas community but also in East Michigan and North Texas, according to NFL.com. Even before making it to the big leagues, Maxx was involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, something many NCAA football players work with for NIL deals.

But for Crosby, it was never about money—it was about giving back. Apart from sports, he has also been an advocate for animal justice. Through his My Cause My Cleats foundation, Crosby never misses a chance to support important causes when he’s off the field.

This summarizes Maxx’s gratitude towards his friends, community, former teammates, and his team’s former coach. Speaking of which, the recent surprise he gave to his former Raiders HC has been making headlines.

Maxx Crosby’s unique surprise for former Raiders HC

Imagine this: On a random day, former Raiders coach Jon Gruden is sitting in his office when, suddenly, a delivery driver from some company hands him a package. Well, this actually happened to Jon Gruden on March 21, 2025.

The Super Bowl-winning head coach, who was with the Raiders from 1998 to 2001, received a box full of Raiders gear—a simple yet meaningful gesture from Maxx Crosby to brighten his day.

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Recently honored in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor, Jon Gruden, shared a video of Maxx Crosby’s gift on X (formerly Twitter). And guess what his reaction was?

“The box we just got delivered brought actual tears to my eyes,” Gruden wrote. He added, “There’s truly nothing better than wearing the silver and black. Thank you, @CrosbyMaxx, for the newest addition to my Raider jersey wall.”

Even though Gruden spent only four years with the then-Oakland Raiders, the franchise has remained close to his heart. Gruden also mentioned that Crosby is one of his favorite guys he has ever met.

This is a rare and special quality for anyone to have—remembering those who were once at the top but are now out of the mainstream and making them feel valued. And honestly, Maxx Crosby is one of the rarest guys who can do this.