With countless defensive linemen aiming to refine their techniques and strategies, the recent "Sack Summit" at UNLV served as a critical meeting ground for some of the NFL's elite. Co-hosted by Maxx Crosby, Von Miller, and Cameron Jordan, the event has now become a beacon for budding talent in the defensive line arena.
Von Miller, speaking on Crosby's involvement, highlighted his remarkable growth: "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."
Crosby's dedication is undeniable and his resolve even more impressive, given the physical tribulations he endured last season. Playing through significant injuries to his left knee and thumb, both requiring surgical intervention in January, Crosby still managed to play in 95% of Las Vegas' defensive snaps. Reflecting on his year's struggle, Crosby noted, "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." His resilience paid off, logging career-high numbers with 14.5 sacks and 90 tackles, earning him a second-team All-Pro selection and his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
The personal sacrifices and adjustments Crosby made speak volumes about his commitment to the game. He remarked, "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." This focused mindset extends to his rigorous year-round training regimen, "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's consistency and relentless pursuit of excellence were echoed by Raiders' senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, who has seen his fair share of talent over a 30-year career. "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," Ryan stated emphatically, showcasing the high regard in which Crosby is held within the organization.
The Raiders, who have faced challenges with coaching consistency, having cycled through four different head coaches since 2019, see in Crosby a stabilizing force. His presence is one of continuity, being one of only two players who were with the team during its Oakland days. Yet, this period has not been without its bright spots. Despite a 39-44 record and just one playoff appearance, Crosby's contributions continue to shine. His individual accolades and a significant financial endorsement reflect this; Crosby received a $6 million raise in the offseason without extending his contract, a testament to his value. His existing four-year extension, worth $95 million with over $53 million guaranteed, signed in March 2022, underscores the franchise's belief in his potential.
As the Raiders look ahead, new additions like Thayer Munford, now the starting right tackle, are part of the evolving team dynamics. Head coach Antonio Pierce's optimism is palpable: "Hopefully that speeds up the development and growth with [Munford], and makes us a better team."
For Crosby, the focus remains singular and unwavering. "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."
Maxx Crosby's journey, bolstered by his performance and accolades, his commitment to constant improvement, and his indomitable spirit, offers a beacon of hope for Raiders fans and a standard of excellence for his peers to aspire to. With his contributions on and off the field, Crosby's presence promises to continue shaping the franchise's future for years to come.