The Las Vegas Raiders are rebuilding around players driven by intense competitiveness, including Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers. This year, their preparation and mindset have centered on gaining a competitive edge, a necessity in the demanding NFL environment. Crosby, a standout defensive end, and Bowers, a record-breaking tight end, push each other during practice, reflecting the Raiders’ ambitious approach to regaining success.
How Maxx Crosby’s Intensity Shapes Practice Battles
Bowers, who was a first-round draft pick last season, recently described the physical and mental challenges of facing Crosby during training. Known for his relentless style, Crosby’s approach to practice is so fierce that he occasionally bends the rules to secure an advantage. Bowers revealed that Crosby’s tactics sometimes border on “cheating” due to his drive to win every rep.
I’m gonna try [to win every rep]. (Laughs) But he’s tough, dude. He’s tough. He’s a tough dude to block,
Bowers explained.
Oh, he jumps around, even at practice, I swear he looks at what we’re doing, he dissects what we’re lined up in. It’s nuts, he takes everything so seriously, and it’s so awesome to see him work.
The intense competitiveness between offense and defense in practice often leads Crosby to gain the upper hand by studying formations and anticipating plays, leaving his opponents struggling to keep up.
Crosby’s Practice Habits Draw Attention from Coaches and Peers
Former NFL veteran and podcast host Will Compton highlighted a story about Crosby’s impact on practices last year, where his disruption was so effective the coaching staff had to restrict his involvement during offensive drills. Bowers confirmed that Crosby’s presence in the backfield during run plays was a constant disruptor, creating challenging situations for the Raiders’ offense.
In run game stuff, it was a little dicey sometimes, because he’d be jumping around, jumping in the C-gap, running the edge, he’d get in the backfield so fast, it’s not even funny… Oh yeah, 100 percent, sometimes the defense is looking at the [offensive] script,
Bowers said.
The “script,” or offensive playbook used during practice, tends to be accessible, and, as Taylor Lewan, co-host and former NFL player, noted, defensive players often sneak glances. Crosby’s eagerness to exploit any advantage fits firsthand into this competitive framework, as he leverages every opportunity to challenge and outsmart his rivals.
Maxx Crosby’s Commitment Amid Raiders’ Organizational Changes
Despite the Raiders’ struggles in recent years, Crosby has remained a bright spot on the roster. His commitment deepened with the arrival of the new leadership, including part-owner Tom Brady and head coach Pete Carroll. Crosby recently extended his contract for three more years, a decision fueled by his respect for the new regime and their shared goal of winning.
“It’s an honor, obviously, having the Raiders with a new staff and new regime come in and show me that type of respect… We’re trying to win. I want to win so badly. I put everything into it. I want everybody else to think like that. And that’s been my goal, just bringing as many guys along as I possibly can.”
This mindset highlights Crosby’s role as both a leader and competitor, emphasizing his passion for victory and his desire to elevate the entire team’s performance.
Building a Winning Foundation in the Tough AFC West
The Raiders are hopeful that more players with Crosby’s competitive spirit will emerge, perhaps including rookie first-rounder Ashton Jeanty, who joins Bowers as part of a promising core. Combining talent and tenacity, this emerging nucleus aims to challenge the dominant teams in the AFC West.
The intense practice sessions led by figures like Crosby underscore a Raiders culture that values grit and relentless effort, a key factor as the franchise seeks to climb back into playoff contention.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What addiction did Maxx Crosby have?
A. Crosby remembers drinking a lot while he was in high school and college. Given his family’s history with alcohol, he realized he faced a problem.
Q. Is Maxx Crosby’s wife?
A. The name of Maxx Crosby’s wife is Rachel Crosby, formerly known as Washburn.
Q. How much is Maxx Crosby’s salary?
A. Maxx Crosby agreed to a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders worth $106.5 million. Of this amount, $91.5 million is guaranteed. His average yearly pay will be $35.5 million. In 2025, his base salary will be $32.5 million. The cap hit will be $38,153,250, and the dead cap value is $72,702,500.