How a record-breaking birth weight inspired the name of an NFL defensive powerhouse
In short: Maxx Crosby was born weighing over 11 pounds, a size that directly inspired his distinctive first name. Since his 2019 entry into the NFL, the defensive end has evolved from a fourth-round draft pick into a league-leading force, balancing professional dominance with personal milestones and unexpected ventures in college administration.
Born in Lapeer, Michigan, in 1997, Maxx Robert Crosby grew up in Texas before playing college football at Eastern Michigan. His professional trajectory began in 2019 when the Oakland Raiders selected him 106th overall. His rookie season was immediately impactful; he recorded four sacks in a single game against the Cincinnati Bengals, a franchise record for a rookie. By 2025, his defensive prowess reached a financial milestone when he signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL at that time.
Beyond his on-field performance, Crosby has navigated significant personal challenges, including a 2020 stint in rehab for alcoholism. He marked his second anniversary of sobriety in 2022 by signing a major contract extension. His life off the gridiron is equally multifaceted; he is a minority shareholder in the English soccer club Leeds United and, in 2025, became the first active NFL player to serve as an assistant general manager for a college football program at Eastern Michigan University.
Crosby’s identity is deeply rooted in his heritage and personal philosophy. His mother, Vera, is of Serbian and Albanian descent, and he has publicly embraced his Serbian roots, using the phrase 'najbolji smo, najjaci'—meaning 'we are the best, we are the strongest'—to describe his connection to the culture. This intensity is mirrored in his physical appearance, notably his chest tattoo featuring icons like Muhammad Ali, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan, alongside his daughter, reflecting his aspiration to 'Be Legendary.'
His career has not been without turbulence. In 2026, a proposed trade to the Baltimore Ravens collapsed after Crosby failed a physical examination, leading the Ravens to pivot to Trey Hendrickson. Despite such setbacks and recurring injuries, including an ankle issue that ended his 2024 season, Crosby remains a consistent defensive presence, frequently leading the league in tackles for loss and pressures.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Maxx Crosby
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