Raiders‘ Maxx Crosby is simply one of a kind. The 6-foot-5, 255 lbs star defensive end has pain tolerance like no other. It was evident two weeks back when he was listed as doubtful to play against the Chiefs and proceeded to sack Patrick Mahomes. And looks like we are heading towards a Déjà vu. It’s another matchday for the men in black on Sunday, December 10, and to everyone’s surprise, Crossby is out with his old knee problem.

But to add further surprise, the QB has revealed his intention to play once again. As he appeared for an interview with NFL insider Tom Pelissero, his literal words meant he was ready to play until he died. Which he almost did, days before the Chiefs match-up. And the unheard story of his toughness is guaranteed to send chills down your spine.

Raiders’ DE can’t wait to play despite missing practice

The Raiders’ Thursday injury report before the Vikings matchup featured Crosby for a second consecutive day. But the DE was determined to play. Upon a query from Pelissero about the left knee, the DE insisted he was feeling great after a tough time. “Absolutely, I am feeling incredible. That was probably one of the hardest things I have been through.” He also recalled the pain he went through during the surgery. “All of the ups and downs of the week, being in the hospital, all those things…”

But soon enough, Crosby turned on the tough mode he’s known for. “If I’m able, if I got a heartbeat, I’ll be out there with my brothers and try to get a win.” He also revealed he was far from his best at the Chiefs’ game; “I wasn’t at my absolute best, you know. I was probably at my 60%, to be honest vs the Chiefs. But I knew the bye week was coming up”, Crosby counted on the bye week for recovery. “I cannot wait for this last month. I’m feeling great right now, and I’ll be out there today practicing, so can’t wait to get out there with the guys”. The DE already sounded impatience to go to practice after 2 days.

Read More: “We Need to Go to the Hospital”: Maxx Crosby Recalls His Brave Fight With Brutal Injury to Play Versus Patrick Mahomes & Kansas City Chiefs

But the post-surgery week was much different for the DE. Far from his relaxed mood, Crosby was fighting to not lose his left leg, quite literally. And later, Patrick Mahomes got a taste of his determination.

Maxx Crosby: The epitome of toughness

On November 2023, Thanksgiving morning, Crosby underwent a complex operation to remove bacteria from his knee fluid. In the following hours, the pain became unbearable, and he was even unable to walk. But by the 24th afternoon, Crosby made a full 180° turn and decided to play the Chiefs game despite not practicing the whole week and being far off his recovery.

In the game, however, he went on to sack none other than Patrick Mahomes. But that’s not it. His numbers in the season altogether hide an athlete battling with knee pain. Crosby has 66 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 15 TFLs, and 18 QB hits in the season. In the upcoming Vikings game, the one which he is determined to play, things could get even more dramatic.

The Vikings have already lost their primary quarterback Kirk Cousins for the season, and can’t afford to lose backup Josh Dobbs. So Dobbs be aware of Maxx Crosby!

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