Las Vegas, NV — May 23, 2025
Maxx Crosby has seen change before. In fact, the 2025 season marks his seventh year in the NFL — and the fifth time he’s entering it under a new head coach. But according to Crosby, this year is different. This year, there’s Pete Carroll.
And the shift? It’s palpable.
“Pete makes it fun and enjoyable every day,” Crosby told reporters this week at Raiders OTAs. “You wake up at 5AM and you’re fired up to get to the building.”
That kind of energy, especially in late May, isn’t just preseason optimism. For Crosby — a two-time All-Pro and the heartbeat of the Raiders’ defense — it’s a reflection of something deeper: culture.
A New Era with Pete Carroll
After more than a decade defining the “Always Compete” culture in Seattle, Pete Carroll has brought his trademark enthusiasm, discipline, and championship mindset to the desert. Hired by the Raiders this offseason to bring leadership stability and winning pedigree, Carroll is already reshaping the atmosphere in Las Vegas.
His presence has reenergized a franchise long searching for an identity, and no one is buying in harder than Crosby.
“It’s more than just football. It’s about doing things the right way — as a team, as a family,” Crosby said. “We’ve got one vision now. Everything’s aligned.”
Crosby: The Foundation of the Silver and Black
Since being drafted by the Raiders in 2019, Crosby has become one of the league’s most relentless defenders — a cornerstone both on the field and in the locker room. Through coaching changes, roster turnover, and the ups and downs of rebuilding, Crosby has remained a constant.
Now, with Carroll at the helm, Crosby believes the pieces are finally coming together.
“We’ve always worked hard. But now, it’s focused. Everyone’s pulling in the same direction,” he added.
Building Something in the Desert
The Raiders have been aggressive this offseason — solidifying the defense, investing in player development, and letting Carroll establish his philosophy. From the top of the organization down to the practice field, there’s a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
The energy? It’s not just talk.
Crosby and his teammates have noticed the difference — in meetings, in drills, and in how the team responds to adversity. And while the AFC West remains one of the toughest divisions in football, the Raiders believe they’re no longer just chasing relevance. They’re building something.
Something real.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, expectations are rising. But for Maxx Crosby, it’s not about hype. It’s about work, vision, and belief in a system.
“This is the most excited I’ve been to start a season,” he said. “It’s different now. You can feel it.”
