Published on: March 3, 2026, 04:01h.

Updated on: March 3, 2026, 04:01h.

• Maxx Crosby targets Defensive Player of the Year honors and a Hall of Fame career
• Crosby’s bond with Myles Garrett inspires both to improve their game
• Raiders’ standout exudes “delusional confidence” in his quest for NFL excellence

Rumors are buzzing around the future of Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby, yet one fact remains clear: regardless of where he plays in the coming years, expectations for the 28-year-old are extraordinarily high.

Crosby stands as one of the most accomplished players in the NFL, setting his sights on a range of prestigious individual and team accolades for 2026. “I’ve earned Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections, but my goal is to claim the Defensive Player of the Year title multiple times,” Crosby shared with Casino.org in an exclusive conversation.

“I strive to be First-Team All-Pro several times, win a Super Bowl, and secure my spot as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Those are my ambitions, and I intend to fulfill them. “It’s a long road ahead, and while some may doubt me, their opinions don’t matter. What matters is that I’m going to prove them wrong, starting with hard work.” Since his NFL debut in 2019, Crosby has tallied five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors. His total of 69.5 sacks ranks fifth among all players. Yet, he remains driven.

“People often discuss ‘delusional confidence,’ the kind that makes you seem crazy until you achieve your goals, at which point they call you a genius,” Crosby explained.

“That’s what life is about. I have one opportunity, and I’m all in. Nobody believed I could reach this level. I’ll persist in fine-tuning my skills and betting on myself because I know the dedication I put in off the field is what truly counts. Great players share this mindset.”

Crosby reveals his friendship with Myles Garrett

Crosby seeks to join the ranks of Browns’ star edge-rusher Myles Garrett, who has secured two Defensive Player of the Year awards and set a new single-season sack record last year. Their friendship dates back to their high school years in Texas.

“I know Myles very well,” Crosby remarked. “We’ve known each other since high school. He attended Martin in Arlington, while I was at Colleyville — just a stone’s throw away. I was a bit younger, so I observed him from afar. Once I entered the league, our teams faced off several times, and we both have appeared in multiple Pro Bowls together. It’s been five consecutive years of Pro Bowl appearances alongside each other.”

Though Garrett is nearly two years Crosby’s senior, their career trajectories have mirrored each other. Both have played for franchises with a history of losses. Garrett’s playoff experiences total merely two since he joined the league in 2017. Both have emerged as premier defensive ends, significantly influencing market values with their contracts. Crosby’s deal, signed last March, reached $35.5 million per year, making him the top-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Concurrently, Garrett set a new benchmark with a four-year, $160 million contract (averaging $40 million per year), shortly after Crosby’s agreement.

“We communicate occasionally,” Crosby noted.

“We’ve shared similar experiences concerning team dynamics and contracts. It’s great to have someone like him to discuss the realities that many cannot relate to. Building a rapport with someone who understands these challenges is invaluable.”

“I aspire to win a Defensive Player of the Year Award like Garrett”

Crosby expresses a desire to emulate Garrett’s achievements by capturing Defensive Player of the Year awards. This accolade is the one missing from his impressive resume. “Myles and I share immense respect for each other,” Crosby affirmed. “I believe our competition has elevated both of us because we push each other — he aims to be the best. He already has two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and that’s a milestone I aim to reach. I understand our competitive natures.” “We challenge one another, yet mutual respect prevails since we both strive fiercely to attain our goals. This camaraderie has made us superior players. Together, as two AFC defensive ends, we have achieved five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and aim for many more in the future.”