Maxx Crosby and Patrick Mahomes, both hailing from Texas, have developed one of the NFL’s most captivating rivalries since Crosby entered the league in 2019. Their matchups, including the memorable 2022 Christmas Day game, showcase Crosby’s relentless pressure on Mahomes despite the quarterback’s exceptional performances. This longstanding rivalry has become a defining feature of the NFL, where Crosby’s aggressive pursuit meets Mahomes’ uncanny ability to evade defenders.

After overcoming injuries, Crosby has openly expressed on Johnny Manziel’s podcast how much the games against Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs mean to him. These divisional battles represent more than just wins and losses—they are personal benchmarks for Crosby as he measures himself against one of the best quarterbacks in the league. His recent comments emphasize that the intensity of their rivalry remains as strong as ever.

Maxx Crosby’s unapologetic approach to facing Patrick Mahomes

When discussing the rivalry with the Chiefs, Crosby spoke candidly about the mindset he brings into their encounters. He treats playing against Mahomes not just as a challenge, but as a personal mission, taking pride in the competition they share.

“I love playing them (Chiefs), and you know, me and Pat, have had a very healthy rivalry for years now,”

Crosby admitted, revealing the depth of respect and competitiveness behind their encounters.

Crosby’s game plan is straightforward: he believes opponents must bring their absolute best or risk being embarrassed. He positions himself alongside Mahomes as an elite athlete, asserting,

“I view myself as the best of the best. So every time you put two competitors out there… I’m trying to literally kill him every play.”

This statement, far from mere trash talk, reflects genuine respect for Mahomes, reinforcing the high stakes and skill involved. Crosby added,

“That’s when you got to be at your best,”

acknowledging how Mahomes pushes him to elevate his game twice every season.

The enduring significance of the Chiefs-Raiders rivalry through Crosby’s eyes

Though recent standings may favor the Chiefs, Maxx Crosby refuses to let the rivalry’s intensity fade. Spanning over 132 meetings, the AFC West rivalry between the Raiders and Chiefs is steeped in history filled with passionate competition and moments of intense drama. For Crosby, those battles with Patrick Mahomes have become the centerpiece of the enduring feud between their teams.

Reflecting on Mahomes, Crosby remarked,

“He’s another Texas high school guy… a whole different stratosphere from most guys I’ve been around,”

highlighting the quarterback’s exceptional talent before quickly shifting back to a more combative tone:

“When we’re out there, we know what time it is. It’s war.”

This duality captures Crosby’s approach perfectly—deep respect off the field and full aggression once the action begins. Though he may show warmth postgame, Crosby is relentless between the whistles.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Chiefs-Raiders battles

This season’s two face-offs between the Raiders and Chiefs are scheduled for Weeks 7 and 18. Despite Las Vegas having a revamped roster that might be labeled as underdogs, Crosby’s commitment to bringing intensity remains unchanged. Past clashes, like the Christmas Day thriller in 2022 and the overtime win in Kansas City in 2021, prove that their games are often closer than expected.

Crosby expressed his eager anticipation for the season’s duels, saying,

“That’s a matchup I look forward to every time,”

emphasizing it is not just Mahomes’ skill that drives him, but the challenge itself. He described Mahomes as “a [expletive] dog,” underscoring both respect and the toughness of their encounters.

What makes their rivalry compelling is the blend of fierce competition and mutual respect. Crosby admitted,

“We talk our [expletive]… but when we’re in between the lines, it’s what it’s all about,”

conveying that regardless of any verbal exchanges, the physical battles on the field define their rivalry. This combination ensures that no matter how the division race stands, both Arrowhead Stadium and Allegiant Stadium transform into battlegrounds twice yearly when these two competitors meet.