For years, Maxx Crosby has been the heartbeat of the Las Vegas Raiders—a relentless, high-motor defender who rarely missed a snap, let alone a game. But in 2024, his Ironman streak was snapped after an ankle injury forced him to miss the final stretch of the season and undergo surgery in December.
Now, the Raiders’ emotional and physical leader is back. And he’s not just healthy—he’s hungry.
“It’s amazing. I feel like a little kid out there,” Crosby said following offseason workouts. “I missed it. I didn’t have an offseason—I’ve been here the whole time. It’s been five months of hardcore training and rehabbing every single day, sacrificing even more. How can I go to an even higher level?”
Despite playing through the injury for most of the season, Crosby led the Raiders with 7.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in just 12 games. Though those numbers marked his lowest since 2020, they were enough for a fourth straight Pro Bowl selection.
Maxx Crosby Recharged and Ready to Lead Las Vegas Raiders After Grueling Recovery: “Football Is My Life”
“Last year was one of the hardest years of my life,” Crosby admitted. “Battling injuries, not being myself… Week 2 I felt like I was on a popped tire.”
The organization responded to Crosby’s resilience by locking him up in March with a three-year, $106.5 million extension that all but ensures he retires a Raider. The message was clear: as Crosby goes, so do the Raiders.
New head coach Pete Carroll called Crosby “full speed,” and emphasized his importance to a defensive unit decimated by injuries last year. With fellow linemen Christian Wilkins and Malcolm Koonce still rehabbing, Crosby has already taken charge.
“It’s the best feeling on the planet,” he said. “Football is my life. I give everything to it. Being out here, healthy, setting the standard—that’s what I’m all about.”