The Las Vegas Raiders have a couple of foundational pieces whom they can truly build around for the long term and at the top of that list is defensive end Maxx Crosby. In just four seasons Crosby has already become one of the premier players at his position making a pair of Pro Bowls along with a Second Team All-Pro selection in 2021.
But it isn’t just Crosby’s performance on the field that makes him so valuable, but also what he brings off the field as well. His work ethic and leadership are exactly what any team looks for, and even though he has already experienced success early in his career, Crosby is motivated for so much more.
Crosby recently spoke about this, noting that he is far from where he wants to be both as an individual player and in terms of team success saying that winning is the most important thing and he plans on leaving a great legacy behind via Raiders Twitter:
“I’m so far from where I want to be.” @CrosbyMaxx is just different ➡️ https://t.co/nujqRP2y8D pic.twitter.com/9Lbz8zrUfN
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) June 15, 2023
Some players may be fine with racking up accolades and getting paid, and Crosby admitted he doesn’t mind that either, but in the end, it is about winning. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to do much of that with the Raiders so far, having just one season above .500 and just one playoff game. As he said, Crosby wants to play in February in the biggest games, and he is going to do everything possible to achieve that goal.
Crosby also said that he believes he will take a big step in his career which has to be music to the ears of the Raiders organization and fans everywhere and scary for the rest of the league. Crosby already led the NFL in tackles for loss last season and was second in QB hits while notching a career-high 12.5 sacks. Another step up from that would put Crosby square in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Pro selection which he arguably should’ve gotten last season.
The Raiders as an organization are looking to get over that hump, return to the playoffs and get back amongst the NFL’s elite. Whether or not they will do so, everyone will find out this season, but with someone like Crosby leading the way, there is no doubt that maximum effort will be coming from the entire team as they fall in line behind this leader.
