Maxx Crosby Reflects on Raiders Tenure Ahead of Baltimore Trade

After seven seasons of relentless effort in Las Vegas, Maxx Crosby is closing the chapter on his Raiders career and beginning a new one with the Baltimore Ravens. The 28-year-old pass-rusher shared a heartfelt farewell on his podcast, “The Rush,” acknowledging both his dedication and the team’s recent struggles.

Crosby apologized to fans, saying he “left everything on the table” and felt as though he had let them down despite giving his all. He emphasized that his goal since joining the Raiders was to build a winning culture, a mission he approached with intensity and commitment from Day 1.

For many fans, Crosby’s apology is secondary to the gratitude they feel for his contributions. Over 110 regular-season games, he amassed 69.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 278 solo tackles, and a franchise-record 133 tackles for loss, establishing himself as one of the most productive defensive players in Raiders history.

Crosby’s impact extended to the postseason, where he recorded a sack and two tackles for loss in Las Vegas’ 26-19 Wild Card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2021-22 season. That year, Crosby described the experience as the “most fun” he had ever had playing football, cementing his legacy with memorable performances.

1. On-Field Excellence and Legacy

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby quickly became the defensive centerpiece for the Raiders. Known for his relentless motor and technical skill, he consistently pressured quarterbacks and disrupted opposing offenses. During his tenure, Crosby earned five Pro Bowl selections and two Second-Team All-Pro honors. His combination of speed, power, and football IQ made him one of the most feared edge rushers in the AFC. Crosby’s ability to create turnovers and tackle behind the line of scrimmage made him a foundational player for Las Vegas. With 133 tackles for loss, he set a franchise record, highlighting his ability to change games before quarterbacks could even throw a pass. His influence on the Raiders extended beyond statistics. Crosby’s intensity and leadership helped shape the team’s defensive identity, inspiring younger players and energizing fans throughout his time in Nevada.

2. Playoff Moments and Leadership

Although Crosby had limited playoff opportunities, he made each one count. In the 2021-22 Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded a sack and two tackles for loss, demonstrating his capacity to perform on the sport’s biggest stage. Crosby credits that season as the most enjoyable of his career, reflecting the camaraderie and challenge of competing in high-stakes games. Despite the team’s eventual loss, his performance symbolized his commitment to winning and leaving a mark in critical moments. Following Jon Gruden’s resignation amid controversy, the Raiders could have floundered, yet Crosby helped lead the team under interim head coach Rich Bisaccia. In a must-win finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, he tallied two sacks, doing everything in his power to secure a playoff berth. His leadership extended beyond the stat sheet, as he motivated teammates and embodied the team-first mentality. Crosby’s example helped stabilize a franchise navigating coaching changes, controversies, and uneven performance, proving his value both on and off the field.

3. Reflection and Moving Forward

Despite his individual success, Crosby acknowledges the team’s challenges over the past several seasons. Since the playoff appearance, the Raiders have gone 21-47, a stretch Crosby partially takes responsibility for, though he emphasizes the collective nature of football. His farewell message balances accountability with pride, showing maturity and a strong connection to the Raiders’ fanbase. Crosby’s candid reflection illustrates his awareness of both personal and team expectations. Now headed to Baltimore, Crosby begins a new chapter with the Ravens, bringing proven pass-rushing ability and leadership to a team eager to bolster its defensive front. His work ethic and intensity are expected to make an immediate impact in Baltimore’s defensive scheme. For Raiders fans, Crosby leaves behind a legacy of passion, production, and resilience—a player who consistently gave everything for the Silver and Black and whose career in Las Vegas will be remembered fondly.