Maxx Crosby and Patrick Mahomes may spend game day trying to wreck each other, but the Raiders star made it clear the rivalry comes with a level of respect that runs deeper than the trash talk.
Appearing on Bussin’ With The Boys, Crosby opened up about the relationship he has with the Chiefs quarterback, describing it as fierce on the field and genuinely respectful everywhere else. “Me and Pat.
Like you’re going against them. You know what time it is?
This war. It’s the most respect off the field compared to anybody,” Crosby said.
“I’ll tell you, like Andy Reid will (expletive) randomly shoot me a call in the offseason. ‘Man, I’m praying for your family.
Hope everything’s well.’ Those guys that really are that dude.
They’re that guy, and then they’re still barking after the game. “But like Pat Mahomes, like we go to war.
He knows I’m trying to murder him, and that (expletive) is trying to make me look stupid every time. But off the field, it’s love every time.
When you’re willing to go to that length to have success and a guy that’s gonna compete like that, there’s like that mutual respect. It’s like in the fight game.”
Crosby also shared a recent text exchange between the two after noticing Mahomes working out and throwing the ball. Both players had returned from injured reserve ahead of schedule, and Crosby sent a quick message to his longtime opponent: “We’ll see you soon,” he wrote.
Mahomes answered right back. “We’re back, can’t wait to see you,” the quarterback responded.
Crosby called the exchange cool and respectful, which fits the way these two have handled each other through years of bruising matchups. He said their battles keep bringing out the best in both players, and that the edge doesn’t disappear just because there’s admiration away from the field. Crosby has sacked Mahomes multiple times over the years, and he still approaches every meeting with the same intent.
The Raiders defensive end made it clear he expects to be ready for Week 1, and Mahomes is on the same timeline. With both players back in action sooner than expected, the AFC West is set to get one of its most familiar showdowns rolling again. Crosby continues to anchor the Raiders’ defense, and the next chapter of this rivalry should deliver the same kind of drama fans have come to expect.
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