As fans come to terms with the loss of quarterback Derek Carr as the face of the Las Vegas Raiders franchise, players have begun commenting on their former captain. Defensive end Maxx Crosby understood that since Carr will be leaving, players will turn to him as a leader.
A Raiders team without Derek Carr already has its next leader
Both a fan and locker room favorite, the fifth-year Raider has more responsibilities and new pressures this upcoming season. The power duo of Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler made sure to not let Crosby become a free agent in March. They secured his services with a four-year, $98.98 million contract extension. He has a strong character both on and off the field, which is why he was named team captain immediately.
Crosby and Carr had a dynamic relationship in the locker room. The former Swoop elaborated on it recently on “Bussin’ With The Boys.” There was an instance where the defensive end gifted the quarterback an iced-out chain. The duo clearly had a special relationship.
“With DC, it’s a different type of situation; he’s a quarterback. Me and him have been boys since day one. So, I had that emotional part of it, and it’s like, d**m,” said Crosby in a recent interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio. “The quarterback’s gone, but I’ve still got to lead by example [on this team]. I have to go out to practice and not be going half-*ssed because we’re out of the playoffs; that’s the type of thing you have to focus on.”
The respect is mutual…Â
The Pro Bowler shows nothing but love for Carr but understands that business is business and emotions can’t come into play when it comes to work. Carr and Crosby definitely shared the same work ethic both during the season and in the offseason. They have a passion for both family and football, which is what brought them together when the former Eastern Michigan star was drafted in 2019.
Maxx Crosby’s stats this year were once again phenomenal. He seems to never let any of the outside noise get in his head. On what can only be described as an underwhelming defense, Crosby carried it single-handedly. With the new regime changing the entire locker room dynamic, it will be interesting to see who stays during this offseason. Regardless of who comes and goes, Maxx Crosby is now one of the big dogs in the locker room. It goes without saying that No. 98 will be seen as someone who other players can go to for advice or questions.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
