Maxx Crosby reflects on signing deal with Las Vegas Raiders on sobriety anniversary

• Sports

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby signed a multi-year extension with the Raiders on the day he celebrated two years of sobriety. Crosby, who was in a dark place a few years ago, entered rehab and became one of the most inspiring stories in the NFL.

Crosby, who signed a four-year deal worth about $95 million, turned into one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. On March 11, 2020, Crosby celebrated two years of sobriety. On March 11, 2022, Crosby signed the deal of his life.

"The odds of that happening are so low, but it's also ironic," Crosby said reflecting on his journey. "I know in the last two years how much work I've put in, how much sacrifice, so much growth in everything I've been doing and seeing it paying off.

"Obviously, this is just the beginning of where I want to be, but this is an incredible gesture by the team and I'm just fired up to get back in the playoffs and continue chasing a ring."

The Raiders thrilled with the player Crosby has become

"Crosby has always been a guy that plays to the whistle, plays very hard.

But this year, he's really taken a step up and he's become one of the more premier pass rushers in this league," Browns guard Joel Bitonio said back in December. "It's not all sacks, it's pressures, it's his disruptiveness." Crosby feels Las Vegas is home and he is thrilled to be staying with the Raiders.

"In the back of my head, I always had a vision of what I want to do in my career and honestly, how things have transpired, I could've never put it together any more perfect," he said. "I think I was meant to be a Raider since Day 1.

... I've got great people around me and they help me with everything I've accomplished." "There's no other place on Earth I'd rather be," he added. "We're going to keep going crazy. I'm excited to keep representing Raider Nation."