“Uncle Tom, Rip”: NFL Star Maxx Crosby Remembers Close One’s Tragedy Amidst Big Day

Maxx Crosby is gearing up for the final preseason showdown. The 26 -26-year-old defensive end is getting ready to go head-to-head with the Dallas Cowboys. The two franchises have not faced off since Thanksgiving Day, 2021 when the Raiders emerged victorious with a 36-33 score. With the match set to unfold at AT&T Stadium in Texas on Saturday, Crosby is all set to put his best foot.

As he gears up for his fifth year in the league, the DE has hopes of hitting the best strides. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the preseason showdown and prep, Crosby also took a moment to remember a special person.

Crosby honors a dear person

Despite all the accolades, Crosby is feeling a deep sense of loss for a noble soul. He took to his Instagram story to share a heartwarming post about his late maternal uncle, Tom Pali Ulaj, a person he holds dear in his heart, on what would have been his birthday.

The 26-year-old who seems to share a great bond with his uncle, paid tribute to his uncle who passed away at the young age of 47 back in 2010. He shared a picture of his uncle on his Instagram story as he wrote: “Happy Birthday 👑Uncle Tom. RIP to a legend, I know you are watching from the above.🕊️🖤”.

As Crosby is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to lock in victory as he heads to the showdown he sure would have made his uncle proud.

Crosby got his sights on stars

The DE cherishes high hopes the upcoming season inches closer. Crosby was drafted back in 2019 when he was nabbed in the fourth round of the draft. At the time, the Raiders had only managed one playoff appearance in 2021 facing off against the Bengals. After a shellacking last season with a poor record of 6-11. Crosby is determined to make it to the playoffs this time. 

READ MORE; From Rehab to Pro Bowl- Raiders MVP Maxx Crosby Details his Inspirational NFL Journey

“I don’t do this year ‘round to come in and not make the playoffs — I’m sick of that sh**. And I want to keep winning “, Crosby declared.

And he is aiming for nothing short of success, as he says, ”I want to win championships. I want to be at the top of the game. I want to be the No. 1 guy, regardless of position. But I work for that every single day”.

One of the best pass rushers in the league, The 26-year-old boasts a record of  37.5 sacks in his first four seasons. He also led the league last year with 22 tackles for loss. As the DE has set his sights on the stars this might be the year that puts him where he is aiming.

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