Maxx Crosby shocked many in the NFL world when he went from being listed as doubtful to playing against the Kansas City Chiefs last week. So, how did the Las Vegas Raiders star find his way back on the field? He just has a different mentality.
The Raiders star edge rusher wasn’t only a body out on the field in the 31-17 loss to the Chiefs. Crosby registered a sack and commanded attention from the Kansas City offensive line. Still, it wasn’t enough for the win. However, the Silver and Black are also attempting to build a culture under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, and Crosby is helping set the tone.
Behind the scenes: Raiders DE Maxx Crosby playing despite his doubtful status…
Crosby spoke with the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport about the mindset he needed to have to get his body ready to help his team in a big-time matchup against their AFC West rival. The two-time Pro Bowler noted that as long as he has a heartbeat, he will make his way onto the field despite his health status for the week.
“I’m feeling incredible,” Crosby said. “Like I said, it was probably one of the hardest things I’ve been through. I’ve been through a lot of hard things in my life, but that was definitely up there. It’s just a blessing. At the end of the day, I look for the positive in everything, so everything happens for a reason.
“I was able to fight through all the ups and downs of the week, being in the hospital, all those things, but if I got a heartbeat, I’m going to be out there with my brothers and go out there and try to get a win. So, I wasn’t at my absolute best. I was probably 60 percent, to be honest, versus the Chiefs, but I knew the bye week was coming up, and if I can go out there and impact the game in any way I can to help my guys, I’m going to do it.”
Playing against Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champions, Crosby likely knows how important this matchup is and had to find a way onto the field. Still, it’s shocking to many that he overcame the odds to play and be effective even though the 26-year-old wasn’t feeling his best.
Ending the season on a high note
The Raiders playoff chances don’t look good after two straight losses. Nonetheless, it will be ideal for Crosby and Co. to finish the 2023 NFL season on a high note. A solid end to the campaign will show owner Mark Davis and whoever else has a say in the decision that Pierce deserves an entire season as head coach.
Las Vegas will get another crack at playing the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 25. If the Silver and Black can go on the road and get a win, it would be a loud statement from Pierce to ownership that he can turn this ship around. Furthermore, if Crosby can be more than 60 percent healthy for the contest, he’ll probably be more disruptive.
*Top Photo: Chris Unger/Getty Images
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