Four Years Later, Eastern Michigan Legend Maxx Crosby Reflects On NFL Jump

During his time with the Eastern Michigan Eagles, defensive end Maxx Crosby was a two-time All-MAC selection. He went on to be selected by the Raiders in the

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During his time with the Eastern Michigan Eagles, defensive end Maxx Crosby was a two-time All-MAC selection. He went on to be selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

A few seasons in the NFL and a few tasteful tattoos later, Crosby is starring for Las Vegas as one of the NFL's best defensive players.

While Crosby's Raiders missed the postseason this year, Crosby still made a name for himself once again with 90 tackles and 14.5 sacks. 

Crosby joined Sports Illustrated's 5th Quarter at Radio Row during Super Bowl week to discuss a handful of topics. Amongst those topics, his jump to the NFL in 2019 and the progress he's made since his days in Ypsilanti. 

"Honestly I never knew how far I could take it, but I never doubted I could get this far," Crosby said reminiscing on his preparations for his first NFL season. "I know I still have a lot of room to grow. I had the confidence. I left school early. I knew it was my time to take the next step. I've always believed in my football ability, it was just all the other things putting it together."

Even after three straight Pro Bowl selections, the man who once held the EMU single-season sack record believes his best days are still in front of him.

"Every single day is a new challenge. There are zero limits to what I can do," Crosby stated. "It all comes down to me and what I can do. It's internal. That's what I do it for."

Crosby was inducted into EMU's Ring of Honor in 2023. Crosby also donated $1 million to EMU in 2023, for which the field inside Rynearson Stadium is now named after him.