Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby leaves the NFL world in awe on a weekly basis with his elite-level consistency and generational motor. Currently, per Pro Football Focus, Crosby’s 63 pressures rank third league-wide behind only Micah Parsons (71) and Nick Bosa (66). The 26-year-old is equally impressive against the run, being the only front-seven player in the National Football League to earn a grade of 90+ on both passing and running downs.
Perhaps more impressive than any of that is Crosby’s toughness. Now in his fifth season, the Eastern Michigan alum has missed a total of zero games throughout his career – including when he suffered a broken hand.
Unfortunately, Crosby finds himself listed as doubtful heading into today’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Even more unfortunately, no player listed as doubtful throughout the week has actually played in that week’s contest since Week 8 of the 2020 season. Perhaps it’s time for Crosby’s ironman streak to end.
Not so fast.
On Saturday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted Crosby “is pushing to play against the Chiefs and there is a realistic chance he makes it happen.” This report in itself certainly gave Raiders fans a reason to be excited, but on Sunday morning, Rapoport took it to the next level.
“Maxx Crosby is determined to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. He fully expects to go,” Rapoport tweeted.
Crosby, fighting sickness and a knee injury, has his mind set in playing a game that likely dictates the Raiders’ season. But what else can you expect from the guy who once broke his hand and went right back onto the field?
Maxx Crosby is well on his way to another All-Pro award
No player league-wide posted more pressures than Maxx Crosby in 2021 (101). The Raiders edge rusher totaled 8 sacks and 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, earning him a second-team All-Pro award at the conclusion of the season.
Now in his ’23 campaign, Crosby is hoping to once again earn All-Pro honors.
Crosby currently sits with 10.5 sacks to his name through 11 contests. The two-time Pro Bowler also has 14 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
As the pressures keep piling up, so will Crosby’s chances of earning a second All-Pro award. Who knows; perhaps ‘The Condor’ will also compete for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
*Top Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports