Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders defensive end known for his prowess on the football field, is revealing a less familiar side of himself by announcing a music project. On Monday, Crosby used his X account to tease a surprise EP release, signaling a return to his musical roots alongside his football career.
Crosby responded directly to a post that read,
“Dropping An EP Before Season … Haven’t Put Anything Out In Years. Gonna Show Yall A Hobby Of Mine. PRESSURE.”
Shortly after, he confirmed, “Already Done. OTW.” This hints that the EP is completed and on its way to fans.
From High School Beats to Pro Football Stardom
Before Crosby became a standout football player, music was a significant part of his life. In high school, he collaborated with a friend named Nick to create mixed tapes, including one titled Bando Born and Raised. Their sound drew heavily from artists like Migos and Chief Keef, reflecting the hip-hop influences that shaped their style.
Throughout his career, Crosby has expressed admiration for rapper Future, citing music as a way to focus and prepare mentally for football games. At 27 years old, Crosby recently secured a lucrative three-year contract extension with the Raiders worth $106.5 million, including $91.5 million guaranteed. At the time of signing on March 5, this made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, a status later eclipsed by Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who signed a four-year, $160 million deal days later.
Despite recording just 7.5 sacks in 2024—half of his total from the previous season—Crosby’s impact remains critical, especially considering he played only 12 games last year.
Stronger Team Dynamics Bolstering Crosby’s Performance
Historically, Crosby has carried much of the defensive load for the Raiders. Since 2022, no teammate besides him has reached five or more quarterback sacks during a season; recently, Adam Butler matched this mark in 2024. However, improvements in the Raiders’ defensive line suggest Crosby may find more support in 2025.
Sports Illustrated columnist Fernando Alfaro-Donis highlighted this shift:
“What makes 2025 such a different year for Crosby is that he has one of the best-supporting casts around him he’s had in his career in the silver and black.”
Key players like former All-American Christian Wilkins, who has returned healthy, and promising talents Malcolm Koonce and Adam Butler, are expected to strengthen the defensive front. Additionally, seventh-round pick Jonah Laulu is seen as a valuable addition, potentially making an immediate impact. The defensive line’s depth may become the Raiders’ strongest unit as the new season approaches.
The Intersection of Music and Football
Crosby’s music comeback is a revealing glimpse into his personal interests beyond the gridiron. The EP release promises to show fans a different aspect of his creativity, tying back to a passion that predates his professional football career. This melding of his athletic and musical pursuits could influence how he approaches his life and career moving forward, offering a balance between his identity as an athlete and artist.
As Maxx Crosby prepares for the 2025 NFL season with a reinforced defensive lineup, his simultaneous return to music adds a new storyline for fans and followers eager to see how both passions develop.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What addiction did Maxx Crosby have?
A. Crosby remembers drinking a lot in high school and college. With a family background of alcohol use, he recognized he had an issue.
Q. Is Maxx Crosby’s wife?
A. Maxx Crosby is married to Rachel Crosby, whose birth name was Rachel Washburn.
Q. How much is Maxx Crosby’s salary?
A. Maxx Crosby agreed to a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders for three years, worth $106.5 million in total. The deal includes $91.5 million guaranteed, with an average salary per year of $35.5 million. In 2025, Crosby’s base salary will be $32.5 million, with a salary cap hit of $38,153,250 and a dead cap value of $72,702,500.