Maxx Crosby on Raider Legends: Reverence, Inspiration

The Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby talked about Silver and Black heroes -- and his journey to becoming one.

Maxx Crosby has quickly become a superstar for the Las Vegas Raiders. The edge rusher has come a long way from a fourth-round pick and consistently shows why he is not just an elite player, but a great Raider.

During his Monday presser, Crosby addressed being validated by Hall-of-Fame pass rusher Howie Long, who said Crosby could play on a line with Long and the late All-Pro Lyle Alzado.

"It's super honoring. It's humbling, to say the least," Crosby said. "Those guys, I mean that's who I look up to. At the end of the day, those dudes changed the game. They were pioneers in this organization."

Long and Alzado played on the Raiders' defensive line that helped the team win Super Bowl XVIII in 1984.

Crosby's knowledge and appreciation for Raider heritage did not stop there.

"Ted Hendricks is another one," he said. " ... Charles Woodson, I mean I can go on and on, George Atkinson, those dudes are the ones who set the blueprint. And I constantly am asking them questions, so to hear [the praise] from Howie, it's an absolute honor and it just gives me more inspiration to become the best version of myself."

Hendricks was an All-Pro linebacker who played on every Super Bowl-winning Raider team. Woodson was an All-Pro during his time with the Raiders and arguably the best defensive back in franchise history. Atkinson was All-AFL and helped the franchise win its first Super Bowl in 1976.

Last season, Crosby earned a 92 player grade from Pro Football Focus and was rated the 11th-best player in the league.

"One of the most consistent edge rushers in the league," PFF wrote. "Crosby is also arguably the best run defender among that group. He racked up 94 total pressures over the season and posted a 92.7 PFF run-defense grade despite battling through a knee injury that resulted in some gruesome-looking swelling at times."

"In reality, I have 52 career sacks -- that ain't getting me to where I want to go," Crosby said. "I'm just getting started and that's what really pushes me is being the best version of myself."

In acknowledging the Raiders of the past, Crosby knows what it takes to be the Raider of the future.

"It starts with guys like Howie Long and dudes that set that standard, and I want to set that standard for the new wave of guys coming in the NFL and everybody that steps in this building."

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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