One of the more shocking storylines last season was the supposed romance between Maxx Crosby and the Kansas City Chiefs. Before the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive superstar had embodied the heated feud with their divisional rival. However, last year, it looked like Crosby was a fan of their superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
After trade rumors connected the two, Crosby eventually re-signed with the Raiders as part of their offseason overhaul. Now, ready for a potential playoff push with his roster, Crosby cleared the air on his standing with the greatest quarterback of this generation.
Maxx Crosby vs. Patrick Mahomes Isn’t Going Anywhere
Since joining the league in 2019 as a fourth-round pick, Crosby has far exceeded his draft position and solidified himself as one of the best defensive ends in football. Extremely reliable and averse to injuries, he has totaled at least seven sacks every year.
Suffice it to say, his production warranted the three-year, $106.5 million deal that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history at the time. During his six seasons, he’s especially become a thorn in the Chiefs’ side.
With 12 games played against Kansas City in his career, Crosby has already racked up 40 total tackles and six sacks against the dynasty of this generation. His social media posts in the second half led to a lot of trade speculations.
But during an appearance on the Glory Daze podcast alongside Johnny Manziel, the four-time Pro Bowler broke down his relationship with Mahomes. “He’s a f***ing dog,” was his words, with his respect for the two-time MVP was apparent.
But there was a clear line. “When we’re out there, we know what time it is. Like, we have ultimate respect. You know, hug his kids after the game, dap it up, we talk our s***. But when we’re in between the lines, it’s war. And that’s what it’s all about.”
Even with their heated rivalries on the gridiron, there was a mutual respect between the two stars. And Crosby described Mahomes as the player who brought the best out of his game, and vice versa.
Additionally, the two even had a connection from their high school days that Crosby was quick to mention. “He’s another Texas high school guy. So he’s obviously in a whole different stratosphere from most guys that I’ve been around as a player.”
Despite a ton of speculation over the summer, the two stars on opposite ends of the football field are staying with their respective teams. That means at least two more games in the 2025 season between the frenemies.
With the Raiders finally having some clear direction and a roster that can potentially contend for a playoff spot in the AFC West, it’s going to make the Division one of the toughest in the entire NFL. And make their divisional matchups even more must-see.