In the world, some people lead with their words and inspiration, while others lead with their actions and by example. In the case of Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby, he is one of the few who do both.
Crosby is the captain and vocal leader of this Raiders defense, a unit that forced another turnover as well as picking up a safety in its 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots. But he is also one of the most relentless players in the entire NFL and one who never takes a break.
According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, Crosby played in 100% of the Raiders’ defensive snaps for the third straight game, something no other defensive lineman in the league has done once so far this season:
#Raiders Maxx Crosby played every defensive snap yesterday for the 3rd straight week and ended the game with a safety. No other defensive lineman in NFL this season has played 100% of defensive snaps in a single game per @sportradar
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 16, 2023
Something like this takes not only skill and effort but an immense level of conditioning that only comes when someone has put in the work that Crosby has during the offseason. The defensive end wants to be the best player he can possibly be and is doing everything possible to make that a reality.
Against the Patriots, Crosby led the Raiders in tackles and, even more impressively, on his final play of the game, after not missing a single one, Crosby was responsible for the game-sealing safety along with Bilal Nichols.
Because the Raiders haven’t always had team success since he joined the team, Crosby’s efforts have often gone unnoticed, and he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, as evidenced by his snub from the All-Pro team last year. But he is on a mission to ensure his name is mentioned amongst the best defenders in the league, and at this rate, it won’t be long until he is.
Raiders’ Maxx Crosby deriving inspiration from Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan
Crosby has made his desire to be the best known, and in that, he is looking towards two of the greatest athletes of all time in how he can reach that level.
Crosby recently mentioned NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as players who were in the zone at all times and that reaching that level is something he is striving for.
