Two of Raiders' Defensive Captains Have Led by Example

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane and defensive end Maxx Crosby constantly prove why they are team captains.

Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce has the luxury of sharing the load as a leader with some of his players.

While Pierce's job is to lead his team, it's the players who are ultimately on the field during the game.

Pierce has two great leaders on defense in linebacker Robert Spillane and defensive end Maxx Crosby, who will each do anything it takes to play and win.

Both players suffered major injuries last season -- Spillane with a broken hand and Crosby with a swollen knee that would eventually require surgery -- and yet each player wanted to waste no time off the field.

Spillane, who joined the Raiders in free agency last season, still played in every game for the Silver and Black last season.

"I think we don't talk about him [Spillane] enough," Pierce said at the NFL Owners' Meetings on Monday. " ... Broke his hand, was in the hospital, called me half drugged up: 'AP, I'm on the plane.' [I was] like, 'Man, no, you better stay in the hospital bed.'

[He] showed up the next day, cast on, played in the game, didn't miss a snap. Every practice. Dependable.

Crosby, who was even listed as doubtful going into the Raiders' Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs, also managed to play in every game.

"Then you talk about Maxx Crosby," Pierce said. "By example. 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, every day.

"Shows up ready to work. So, when you got those kind of guys in your building, [who lead] vocally or by example, you got a good culture and a good place."

Spillane and Crosby were two of the Raiders' nine team captains last season, and rightfully so. Safety Marcus Epps was the only other defensive captain, and like Spillane, was a first-year Raider.

You can watch Pierce's entire press conference from Monday here.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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