Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby has recently addressed swirling trade rumors, particularly regarding a potential move to the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Chiefs gearing up for their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, the speculation around Crosby has intensified. However, the four-time Pro Bowl defensive end is firm about his commitment to the Raiders and his desire to lead the team to success.
Crosby, who appeared on Pro Football Talk Live during the Super Bowl festivities in New Orleans, expressed that his biggest motivator right now is the pursuit of a championship. "I want to be a part of winning," he declared, emphasizing the importance of a winning culture over simply joining a successful team. The 27-year-old made it clear that he has no interest in joining a powerhouse like the Chiefs just to secure a Super Bowl ring. "I don’t want to join the damn Chiefs and get a Super Bowl," he stated emphatically. "That would mean nothing to me."
Reflecting on the Raiders’ recent struggles, Crosby acknowledged the challenges faced during a disappointing 4-13 season, which ultimately led to the firing of head coach Antonio Pierce after just one year. "Battling through injury the whole year, struggling, losing 10 games in a row… it makes you start questioning a lot of things," he admitted. Despite these hardships, Crosby remains optimistic about the future.
The arrival of new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek has injected a renewed sense of hope into Crosby’s outlook. "This is the most optimistic I’ve been since being a Raider," he shared. The energy and winning mentality that Carroll brings to the table resonate deeply with Crosby, who expressed his excitement about playing under Carroll’s leadership. "As a competitor, I love somebody with that type of mentality," he said, praising Carroll’s track record of success.
Crosby’s enthusiasm is backed by Carroll’s impressive resume. The 73-year-old coach boasts a record of 170-120-1 over 18 seasons in the NFL, including a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks. His experience and proven ability to build winning teams are qualities that Crosby believes will benefit the Raiders immensely.
While Crosby is focused on the future, he is also aware of the current landscape of the NFL. With the Chiefs poised to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, he finds himself in a position of observation rather than participation. "Unfortunately, I have to watch the Chiefs play in the Super Bowl," he remarked, but his focus remains on building a competitive Raiders squad that can challenge for titles in the coming years.
Crosby’s commitment to the Raiders is further solidified by his recent contract extension. He signed a four-year deal worth $98.9 million in 2022, a testament to his value and importance to the franchise. This financial commitment underscores his dedication to the team and his desire to be part of a turnaround that brings the Raiders back to prominence.
As the offseason approaches, Crosby’s leadership will be crucial for the Raiders. He has expressed a strong desire to be a guiding force in the locker room, helping to cultivate a culture of winning and accountability. "I want to be the leader in a run for a title," he stated, reinforcing his commitment to the Raiders’ future success.
In summary, Maxx Crosby is not just a talented pass rusher; he is a passionate competitor who values the journey toward greatness. His determination to stay with the Raiders and build a winning culture speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the game. As fans look ahead to the next season, Crosby’s presence and leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the Raiders’ path forward.
The NFL landscape is ever-changing, but one thing remains clear: Maxx Crosby is ready to embrace the challenge and lead the Raiders back to glory. With a new coach at the helm and a renewed sense of purpose, the future looks bright for Crosby and the Raiders. Will they rise from the ashes of last season and reclaim their place among the NFL elite? Only time will tell, but with Crosby’s determination and leadership, fans have every reason to be hopeful.
