NEW ORLEANS – Maxx Crosby is feeling optimistic about the future of the Las Vegas Raiders with Pete Carroll as their new head coach. The standout defensive end expressed his excitement during an interview on Radio Row in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX. While he enjoys connecting with fellow players, Crosby has his sights set on competing in the “Big Game” one day. Carroll, who has previously lifted the Lombardi Trophy with the Seattle Seahawks and won two national championships in college, brings a wealth of championship experience that Crosby believes the Raiders need.
“I think it’s pretty straightforward: He’s done it. He’s done it many times at both levels, college and the NFL,” Crosby said when discussing Carroll’s suitability for the Raiders’ head coaching position. “For me, I’m an optimistic person. I want to be a winner, I want a chance to win. From everything I’ve seen so far, it’s been encouraging. So — taking it one step at a time and we’ll see how everything plays out. But I’m excited for the future, for sure.”
Crosby has already felt Carroll’s positive influence within the Raiders organization, noting the infectious energy he brings every day. “Every conversation I’ve had with him has been awesome,” Crosby shared. “All energy all the time, my type of person. At the end of the day, you’ve got to have fun with what we do. We’re modern-day gladiators. We’re going out there — car crashes every single Sunday. That’s the reality. So, you have to have fun with it. The work comes first, but at the same time, you’ve got to enjoy your job. You’ve got to be excited to come into the building every morning and go to work.”
Crosby highlighted Carroll’s enthusiasm for being back in the NFL. “It’s about team, it’s about culture, it’s about competing,” he explained. “That’s what he preaches and lives by. I’ve been able to see it at a short glimpse so far, but it’s just funny. You hear guys, I’m talking to one of the front office guys, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, I have this JBL speaker — [Carroll] gave everyone a speaker. I go upstairs and it sounds like a frat house is going on.’ There’s music bumping all the time and stuff. I love that. That’s how I am.”
Crosby believes that maintaining the right energy is essential for success. “Energy’s got to be right and correct, and I feel like that leads to success when the work is behind it. He’s proven it his whole life that he can win and knows how to win. It’s exciting.
