Any time Patrick Mahomes and Maxx Crosby face off, you know you’re in for a classic.
While the two stars have built one of the NFL’s fiercest on-field rivalries, their relationship off the field tells a very different story.
Maxx Crosby Opens Up on Rivalry With Patrick Mahomes
Crosby’s competitive mentality is impossible to ignore. He finished last season with an 89.3 PFN EDGE Impact score, settling in at #5. That intensity was on full display during training camp earlier this month when he hit his quarterback, Kirk Cousins, twice during team drills.
After the second hit knocked Cousins’ arm, the quarterback confronted Crosby, grabbing his jersey as the two exchanged words before teammates separated them.
That fiery mindset defines Crosby’s approach to football, as every opponent becomes a rival once the game begins. His battles with Mahomes have also grown into one of the NFL’s most entertaining matchups since they first squared off in 2019.
On the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast on Tuesday, host Taylor Lewan asked Crosby about the intensity whenever he lines up across from Mahomes.
“All of a sudden, I go into that mode,” Crosby said. “One of the rookies asked me this a couple of days ago, and it’s real. It’s like the guys that are the [expletive] guys. You know what I mean?
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
“You’re going against me. You know what time it is? It’s war. It’s the most respect off the field compared to anybody. Pat Mahomes, we go to war. We go to [expletive] war. He knows I’m trying to murder him, and that [expletive] is trying to make me look stupid every time.”
Maxx Crosby explains how his relationship with Patrick Mahomes has grown beyond the rivalry pic.twitter.com/4xO1B0i7BI
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) August 19, 2026
The interview brought up memorable footage from “Quarterback,” Netflix’s documentary series featuring Mahomes. One scene captured the Chiefs quarterback becoming increasingly frustrated when Crosby repeatedly provoked him during Kansas City’s game against the Raiders in the 2022 season.
However, Mahomes has repeatedly praised Crosby, even calling him the toughest pass rusher he has ever faced. Crosby has been equally complimentary of the Chiefs quarterback and has also reiterated that it is always “love” between them off the field.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
“There’s that mutual respect,” Crosby added. “I see Mahomes out there throwing the ball, and I shot him a text. He said, ‘I’ll see you soon, but you know you know what time it is.’ I’m like, ‘Great seeing you out there doing your thing.’
“We’re back. Can’t wait to see. That’s it. It’s cool. It’s respect. I [expletive] with Pat. He’s a real competitor, but yeah, when we’re between the lines, it’s war.”
The Raiders will play the Chiefs on October 4, and we might once again see the on-field rivalry between the two.
Crosby will look to help Las Vegas rebound from last season’s disappointment, while Mahomes will aim to lead Kansas City back in dominant fashion.
