Football players are increasingly expanding their base for what they can do while still playing in their careers. Endorsements and advertisements were always part of the equation, but soon ownership stakes joined the party.
Recently, the rise of podcast culture has led many in the league to start their own endeavors. However, Maxx Crosby has taken over as the innovator of multiple roles for an NFL player with his latest job.
Maxx Crosby – Assistant General Manager
Crosby has to be on top of the world right now. Near the end of the season, the superstar defensive end was vocally critical of the direction the Las Vegas Raiders had taken in recent years. A few months later, though, the team had an entirely new outlook.
Crosby himself is also sitting on a new deal worth three years and $106.5 million — the highest per-year amount for a non-quarterback at the time of signing. But his busy offseason hasn’t stopped there.
Adam Schefter broke the news on X that the two-time All-Pro selection is taking on a front office role for his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, as its assistant general manager.
“Raiders standout pass rusher @CrosbyMaxx is being named the Assistant General Manager for Football at Eastern Michigan University. Crosby becomes the first active NFL player to hold the position,” Schefter wrote.
Raiders standout pass rusher @CrosbyMaxx is being named the Assistant General Manager for Football at Eastern Michigan University. Crosby becomes the first active NFL player to hold the position. He now will help Eastern Michigan evaluate high school and portal prospects, manage… pic.twitter.com/ESANb9cdLX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 14, 2025
He continued, “He now will help Eastern Michigan evaluate high school and portal prospects, manage its NIL budget, and also serve as Special Assistant to the AD on fundraising, alumni relations and student-athlete support.”
As the only college to give him an offer coming out of high school, Crosby clearly has deep loyalty to the program where he spent four years. During that time, he earned two All-MAC selections and was eventually drafted 106th overall.
Since making it to the NFL, Crosby has remained closely connected to the program. He was inducted into the school’s Ring of Honor in 2023, and its home field was renamed Crosby Field after he made a $1 million donation.
Now, he can be even more hands-on with decision-making for his alma mater and potentially shape the careers of young players hoping to make it to the NFL.
As the 106th overall pick, Crosby’s rise among the league’s best players has been nothing short of inspiring. He made an immediate impact in his rookie year, recording 10 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 47 total tackles.
Since then, his production has only improved — with back-to-back seasons of 12.5 and 14.5 sacks — while his tackle numbers have hovered around 90.
Now, with great talent around him like Geno Smith and a proven head coach in Pete Carroll, his future looks more secure — and brighter — than ever.