Maxx Crosby, the standout defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, isn't losing any sleep over the chatter from Baltimore Ravens fans. Known for his prowess on the field with five Pro Bowl nods, Crosby recently shared his experience of a Baltimore visit on his podcast, sparking some skepticism among Ravens supporters.
On "The Rush With Maxx Crosby," he addressed the doubters with a mix of humor and candor, making it clear he has no reason to embellish his story.
The saga began when the Ravens agreed to trade two first-round picks for Crosby on March 6. However, just four days later, they backed out due to concerns over Crosby's knee, which had recently been repaired. Baltimore quickly shifted gears, signing Trey Hendrickson to a hefty four-year, $112 million contract.
Crosby recounted the unusual details of his visit, including a flight to Washington D.C. followed by a two-hour drive to the Ravens' facility. He noted that GM Eric DeCosta was absent during his five-hour stay, and head coach Jesse Minter's energy seemed off.
Ravens fans took issue with Crosby's account, particularly the travel details and DeCosta's absence, prompting Crosby's latest response.
Crosby found the fan backlash more amusing than anything else. He hasn't retracted any part of his story, even as he faced some harsh messages from fans.
"I'm honest to a fault," Crosby remarked on his podcast. "Seeing reactions like that had me dying laughing.
Ravens fans are sending me messages, hoping I end my career. I'm like, 'Wow.'"
Throughout the ordeal, Crosby has leaned on his surgeon's assurance, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache confirming that Crosby is on track to continue his career.
Despite the initial sting of Baltimore's rejection, Crosby seems to have moved on. His agent, CJ LaBoy, confirmed that Crosby is set for the offseason program. Raiders GM John Spytek has no plans to trade Crosby at a discount, indicating stable relations between Crosby and the Raiders.
As the Raiders undergo a rebuild, a healthy Crosby could significantly boost his trade value and alter perceptions of the team. His performance on the field will likely be the most powerful response to any critics, far surpassing anything said on a podcast.