Raiders' Maxx Crosby healthy again: 'I'm feeling better than I ever have'

The forthcoming season is significant for everyone in the NFL as it marks the start of the next campaign.

But for Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, it means a little more. After fighting through a knee injury, Crosby is back to 100% and as optimistic as ever entering his first full year under head coach Antonio Pierce.

“Crosby stated on Monday that the recovery and rehab process has been incredible. He revealed that he recently aced his conditioning tests and is currently feeling better than he ever has. He described the offseason so far as incredible,”

Crosby’s injury in 2023 might have gone unnoticed if he hadn’t admitted it. Despite this, he achieved new career-best records with 14.5 sacks, 90 tackles, and 23 tackles for loss. He not only earned his third Pro Bowl nod but also received a second-team All-Pro selection, all without a significant counterpart to support him.

Crosby participated in all 17 games, necessitating regular extra medical care. However, this didn’t deter him.

“I was definitely banged up,” said Crosby, who underwent knee and hand procedures this offseason. “My knee was an issue, but I was able to play. I definitely don’t want to do that again and go through that — draining it multiple times every week — it was a pain in the ass.

Despite our struggle, we succeeded, which only fueled my motivation when others suggested we should ‘give up, give up, give up.’ I insisted that I wasn’t like everyone else, to be frank. I knew I just had to keep going.

With the knowledge Crosby was playing on a knee requiring weekly drainage, his 2023 accomplishments are that much more impressive. And now, he has a new sidekick in defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, Las Vegas’ big-ticket free agent addition.

Crosby is excited about the prospect of playing with Wilkins, but he’s not making any hasty statements at this moment. He is aware that victories aren’t achieved in free agency.

“Crosby stated, “Potential and action are two different things. For us, it’s all about putting in the effort – we have a lot of work ahead of us. Christian and I have yet to play a single snap together, we haven’t completed a single rep together. So, we have a lot of work to do. I’ve mentioned numerous times that Christian is an exceptional player. I’ve been observing his career from a distance for quite some time. …”

I’m really excited to start working with him.

The NFL Draft 2024 is only 10 days away, and there may be more additions to Las Vegas’ defensive front. Regardless of the Raiders’ moves at the end of the month, the Silver and Black’s fans should already be feeling more optimistic about their prospects, especially with a fully fit Crosby prepared to continue his onslaught on rival offenses.