With a 5-7 record, the Las Vegas Raiders are unlikely to make the playoffs, but they may have a bit of hope for next season.
They do have some players they can build around for the immediate future, and one of them is star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby has made the Pro Bowl in both of the last two seasons and with 11.5 sacks so far this season, he seems to be on pace for another Pro Bowl nod.
He was just named a nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, and he made it on to the field in the Raiders’ last game versus the Kansas City Chiefs despite not being 100 percent.
Per Tom Pelissero, Crosby talked about what motivates him to play even when he’s not feeling well.
“If I’ve got a heartbeat, I’m going to be out there with my brothers.”#Raiders Pro Bowl DE and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee Maxx Crosby took us through his fight to play vs. KC and much more on The Insiders.
📺📱💻 https://t.co/RV7mRM3S0M | @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/20C6sLwSA7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 8, 2023
The defensive end was listed as doubtful for Week 12 due to a knee injury, but he played versus the Chiefs and had one sack and one tackle for loss in Las Vegas’ 31-17 loss.
His off-the-field work that led to him being nominated for the Man of the Year award has been almost as impressive as his on-the-field play.
He has been an active member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helped underprivileged children, and supported the “It’s A Penalty” campaign, which has looked to create awareness about the resources available to prevent human trafficking.
Crosby is just 26 years of age, so along with star wide receiver Davante Adams and fellow wideout Jakobi Meyers, he is a building block for the Raiders moving forward.
NEXT:
Maxx Crosby Reveals His Status For Week 14
