Being a rookie in the NFL isn’t an easy thing as you’re already behind and trying to find your footing in the league. But for some players, it comes naturally, as was the case for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
The former fourth-round pick out of Eastern Michigan recorded his first sack in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears and got better and better as the year went on. He earned the respect of his teammates and has become the leader for the Raiders.
But that also comes with a big responsibility to help with the younger players. That wasn’t the case last season for Crosby.
Maxx Crosby admits relationship with Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson didn’t start great
It’s no secret that Maxx Crosby and offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson have developed a bond going into this Summer. The two have become close friends, which is great for the team. It wasn’t always like that as Crosby noted a few days back.
“Yeah, it’s funny. It’s something, like to be 100% real, like last year, I mean me and Jackson did not have a great relationship,” Crosby said.
As a rookie, you have to earn the respect of veterans. That’s especially true in the trenches as you go to battle every single day. But that also can make you stronger and help you earn that respect faster.
That’s exactly what happened here with Crosby and Powers-Johnson.
“I’m hard on guys, especially young dudes. Like, there’s respect that’s got to be earned when you come into this league, in this locker room, especially. Like, there’s a certain standard I expect from the guys, and he did a lot – like the amount of growth he’s had in the last year has been unbelievable. If I were sitting here a year ago and you would have told me all the stuff he did this offseason to get himself in this position he’s in, I truly wouldn’t believe you, but that’s the beauty in this game.”
The offensive lineman worked out with Crosby this Summer as the two developed a bond. That’s great news for the Raiders who already have their leader in Crosby and are hoping Powers-Johnson can be one as well.
