The Las Vegas Raiders have had a difficult 2021 season for various reasons, but there have been bright spots they can look hang their hat on.
Maxx Crosby entered the year as a player to watch after his successful 2020 campaign and the defensive end has exceeded expectations. Crosby has revitalized the Raiders defensive line and is one of the main reasons why the team has been able to hang around in games.
It is easy to root for the 24-year-old who has been open when discussing his previous struggles with alcoholism and rehab. When discussing his first Pro Bowl nod, Crosby could not help but get emotional via Raiders:
“It brought back memories,” Crosby said. “I’m going to get emotional. I was in rehab almost two years ago, and now I’m in a Pro Bowl. It’s just a blessing, man. I show up, and I try to be the best teammate every day and show my guys that I care. That s— just hit home. It was special.
“It makes my family proud, my girl, everybody around me is calling, blowing up my phone. I’m crying like a baby because I know I’ve worked so hard, and it’s starting to pay off.”
Although Crosby has only recorded five sacks during the season, he has been a constant threat off the edge and generates plenty of pressures each game. His disruptiveness in the backfield has allowed the Las Vegas secondary to do its job in coverage but he has also been a sure tackler at the line of scrimmage.
It will be a heartwarming moment to see Crosby represent the Silver and Black at Allegiant Stadium when the 2022 Pro Bowl kicks off on Feb. 6. Before then, though, Crosby and the rest of the Raiders will be doing their best to keep their playoff hopes alive.
