Graney: Maxx Crosby enters 8th season with same goal — to win

Maxx Crosby is set to begin his eighth NFL season when the Las Vegas Raiders host the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. He arrives with the same driving ambition that has defined his career: to win as many games as possible and help the Raiders reach contender status during his tenure with the club. Crosby reflected on the advice he heard from veteran players years ago, noting that confidence remains the most important trait in the unpredictable world of professional football. He emphasized the importance of putting in the work, maintaining belief in his ability to figure things out regardless of who lines up across from him, and approaching each week with a mindset of continual improvement. Despite a challenging previous season in which he missed the final two games due to a meniscus repair—an injury he did not choose—Crosby has spent the offseason recovering and preparing. He also referenced the botched trade discussion with the Ravens that ultimately fell apart, calling it a catastrophe. The recovery period, however, has left him feeling healthy and eager for the opportunities a new campaign presents. He expressed confidence that the Raiders can achieve more than many expect, even though skepticism surrounds the team’s record. Crosby stressed that nothing is predetermined for the squad and that his personal objectives remain unchanged year after year. When asked about his approach, Crosby said, “You bring everything you tin to shot astatine the highest level,” Crosby said. “The good, the bad, everything. I’m conscionable acceptable to go. Every day, you’re trying to get amended and not staying stagnant. It’s Week 1. You’ve enactment successful each the enactment the full offseason and grooming campy and present yet get to amusement the world. I cognize the guys are fired up. There’s thing better.” He also spoke about the passage of time, noting that entering his eighth season feels sudden. Crosby said he is more energized and excited than ever, acknowledging that each year brings different coaches, schemes, and regimes. He views those changes positively, saying they have allowed him to see varied perspectives on the game and learn a broad range of lessons. Crosby’s ambition extends to evolving as a pass rusher and run stopper. He sees himself as a game‑wrecker, believing that disrupting an opponent’s offense creates value beyond individual matchups. He stressed that if he is slowed in one area, he can still dominate elsewhere, and that teammates must always be aware of his location on every snap—a goal he has pursued for a long time. He praised first‑year head coach Klint Kubiak for fostering an environment where players want to work, learn, and grow. Crosby noted that Kubiak is not afraid to hold individuals accountable and described his leadership style in the coach’s own words: “He conscionable won a Super Bowl (in Seattle). He knows what it looks like. He’s conscionable himself and allows his players to beryllium themselves. He tells america each the time, ‘I privation to spot your personalities shine. Just due to the fact that I’m a small awkward, I don’t privation you guys to be.’” Looking ahead to the season opener, Crosby reiterated the team’s immediate focus. He said, “Our expectations are to spell retired and triumph shot games,” helium said. “You can’t look excessively acold up oregon successful the past. Just person to beryllium present. Maximize each azygous day.” The sentiment echoes the counsel he received from veterans early in his career, reminding him that the fundamentals of effort and presence remain constant despite the ever‑changing landscape of the NFL.