The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has found success on the football field. Nevertheless, he recently opened up about a fight he had outside of the gridiron.
A 2019 fourth-round pick, Crosby recently joined the set of NFL Total Access. He talked about his first two years in the NFL, the Raiders’ defense, and being sober for one year. The East Michigan product says that going into Year 1, he didn’t really have any expectations. However, he says he knew going into his second season, he was going to get more attention than in his rookie year.
Crosby points out that his sophomore campaign was a lot different, playing without fans, getting more double teams. He also added he had to play through injuries but believes he grew a lot as a football player and as a player. Looking back, he says it was a great year and he feels really excited going into Year 3.
Later in the conversation, Crosby went over the biggest issue the Raiders’ defense faced last year. He says that everything starts up front, pressuring opposing quarterbacks, something they didn’t do enough. On the other hand, he says there are no excuses and everybody has to grow and take the next step.
Maxx Crosby talked about his battle with alcoholism
Later in the sit-down, Crosby talked about being sober for one year. He says being clean represents a big step in his growth as a man and adds that he hasn’t let his struggle define him.
Being able to open up about that, being able to help at least one person out there is all that matters. Me having my platform and being about the reach out and share my story and show that I’m a human being and not just a football player is really special. For me, over a year sober, I’m doing really well. I’m just growing in any way I can on and off the field.
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The Raiders likely expect big things from Maxx Crosby in 2021
Although Crosby had a broken and a torn rotator cuff, he didn’t miss any games in 2020. While it’s not an excuse, it explains why his performance took a dip. On the other hand, the defensive end rightfully pointed out it wasn’t an excuse for his sophomore slump. Then again, knowing he dealt with injury helps everyone understand what he went through last year. Also, he should once again be the dominant player he was in 2019.
Also, battling an addiction is nothing to scoff at and is an achievement worth praising and recognizing. The fact Crosby has been clean for a year speaks volumes about his determination. Alcoholism can never be cured but it can be managed, and he has done a good job of dealing with it. If he keeps doing what he’s done in the last two years, he should be able to stay clean and go back to having success on the football field.
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