Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby made a few headlines this week when he talked about the toll the 2024 season has taken on him.
“I’m competitive as they come. I put all my time, and effort, and spirit and soul into this… into being the best version of myself,” Crosby on the SiriusXM NFL Radio Let’s Go! Podcast. “I care about winning more than anything on the planet. So, yeah, there were points in the season where I feel like I was losing my mind. I had to really reset.”
It was a relatable statement from Crosby among Raider fans, as the 2024 season has been exhausting for the fan base as much as anyone. You might say Raider fans have been losing their minds for the better part of the last two decades.
On Friday, head coach Antonio Pierce was asked about the comments from Crosby and his response seemed to be mixed with some confusion.
“Didn’t really hear that quote or read that quote, so I can’t really go into details,” Pierce said. “Maxx has been Maxx. He’s here every day at 6 AM and one of the last guys that leaves. Finally got him healthy, practicing full go. Effort, attitude, everything has been right on our end.”
From the outside, it was hard to read into Pierce’s reaction to the question.
It was suggested by Raiders Report host Mitchell Renz that Pierce didn’t like the quote from Crosby, but re-watching the video, it looks like it might have been the first time Pierce heard about the comments.
Without context, it makes sense why Pierce would offer the answer that he did.
Many times, players and coaches will say they haven’t read or heard a report as a means of avoiding a question. Pierce hasn’t done that a lot, but Davante Adams used the tactic more than once.
In this case, Pierce looked genuinely surprised and didn’t seem to know how to answer.
Ultimately, Crosby’s comments weren’t that big of a deal. As invested as he is in the organization, it’s a reasonable response to a season that hasn’t been easy on anyone in the organization.
The bigger concern would be if Crosby wasn’t experiencing frustration in the middle of a 2-10 season.
x: @raidersbeat
It is a little unfair that Maxx is spearheading AP’s secret coup given the awful roster he was handed and the lack of depth. If they play their cards correctly and quit doing stupid Raider things like switching coaches every two seasons, this may turn into a Tomlin in Pittsburgh. I would want to see him lead for another season and see what he does with some talent.
“Losing my mind.” If the whole team would lose their collective minds like Maxx, the Raiders would be undefeated.
AP should be grateful, bc Crosby threatening a trade if AP wasn’t retained is a BIG reason he got the HC gig. It’s unfortunate that he has a worse W-L record than the guy he replaced.
Proof positive that far too many people with a platform that don’t deserve one. SMH.
Coach AP, here’s my suggestion to you. Go back to the exhibition game against Minnesota ( last 5 minutes of the game) and you listen to the announcers go from they lost the game to we got a shot at winning it and they did. Quit thinking defensively about offensive situations! The proof is right there just go listen to it.
These LV Raider comments do not make any sense. However even if they did make sense who cares??!?!
The Las Vegas Raider Organization is nothing but a “Parody” of the once “Commitment to Excellence” 1970’s era Raider team. Bunch of Pre- Madonna’s, this Raider team cant even buy a win. The odds of winning the Lotto are much greater than a Raider WIN these days.
You guys try way too hard to create controversy, all he said was he didn’t hear the comment and then went on to praise Maxx for his professionalism and work ethic!