Days After Joining Michael Jordan’s Brand, Maxx Crosby Named ‘Face’ of the Raiders Franchise by Antonio Pierce

From having a shift in the coaching front to winning against the Kansas City Chiefs in the third last game of the season, the Las Vegas Raiders have had a mixed season. The momentum veered when Antonio Pierce replaced Josh McDaniels and players like Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby took center stage. Reflecting on this new energy of the Raiders on the NFL YouTube channel, Pierce had nothing but praises about the DE while sharing his role in the team.

Recalling the first day he met Crosby, Pierce said, “… The 1st day I walked in that building- February 15th 2022, 6 a.m. The 1st guy that meets me at the door, Maxx Corsby. That’s my introduction to Maxx and I never felt so much energy from another player before. I’m like ‘God damn! What is this? It’s different…” The determination and motivation added by the DE to the Raiders’ side is unparalleled. The evidence is reflected by Crosby, on and off the field and Pierce acknowledged this authentic element of the football player.

They developed an understanding relationship in the early stages. Pierce added, “I watched him that whole season… We started having conversations non-football related, talking about his past… Then all of a sudden he starts quizzing me what was it like playing Bruce Smith? What was it like playing with Michael?.. This kid, he wants to be educated…”

Pierce admitted that he saw a bit of himself in Maxx and he in turn saw a bit of himself in Pierce. He further said, “At the end of the day man, Maxx is the face of the franchise.” Pierce added, “He puts his heart and soul into that bad boy, the effort, the passion, the love for the Raiders organization, the Raider fan base, is unmatched, and he sets the tone. I know it’s the head coach, but Maxx sets the tone.”

Before the Chiefs game, Crosby was injured and everyone in the Raiders team asked the HC not to play him. But Crosby was positive about his state and urged Pierce to put him on the field. The HC did, on the condition that he would be pulled out at the first sign of discomfort. Crosby went on to give his best on the field and provided that added motivation to the team.

READ MORE- Raiders Minority Owner Tom Brady Gets a Sack Request From Maxx Crosby at Vegas Practice Facility

Earlier Antonio Pierce had mentioned how he will be working on shifting the culture around the Raiders and mentioned their fierce competitors, whom they wish to overtake in the games. Given Pierce’s stance and Crosby’s determination, it is evident that the team has a new energy brewing.

Now, as the team gears up for the 2024 NFL season, Maxx Crosby appears to have worthwhile responsibilities on his shoulders—from being a new addition to Team Jordan to being the ‘face’ of the Raiders.

The Raiders DE manifested to be with Jordan

Maxx Crosby’s commitment and unstoppable mindset helped him get noticed by the NBA legend Michael Jordan and his team, which eventually got him a seat at the Jordan table. He revealed it on an episode of his ‘The Rush With Maxx Crosby’ podcast. The DE said he didn’t want to collaborate with anyone else but the Jordan brand. Crosby said, “I mean, literally, since day 1, I’ve been manifesting it. I didn’t want to be with anybody else, I’ve always wanted to be with Jordan. They’ve got 14 guys in the league.”

Per reports, Crosby had dinner with the Jordan team and there were other NFL stars present at the table. “I mean, Honey Badger [Tyrann Mathieu], obviously Cam Jordan, a lot of big dogs in there,” Crosby said. “And there was Dwight Freeney, as well. I got to chop it up with him, which was dope.”

His teammate Davante Adams is on the Jordan roster as well. All in all, life’s good for Maxx Crosby. The Raiders and Antonio Pierce will look forward to channeling this vibe into match-winning plays as teams have initiated their off-season preparations before the big showdowns begin in September.

READ MORE- How Many Picks Does Each Team Have in NFL Draft 2024?