Las Vegas, NV – May 23, 2025
In an emotional and historic ceremony, the Las Vegas Raiders today unveiled a bronze statue of star defensive end Maxx Crosby, immortalizing his relentless drive, leadership, and lasting impact on the franchise and the NFL. The event, held at Allegiant Stadium, also featured a groundbreaking announcement: Crosby’s iconic jersey number, 98, will be officially retired—never to be worn by another Raiders player for as long as the franchise exists.
The bronze statue, which stands just over seven feet tall, captures Crosby in a powerful forward-charging pose—symbolic of his dominance on the field and tireless commitment off it. Crafted by acclaimed sculptor Dana Martin, the statue stands on a sleek black granite pedestal engraved with the words: “Relentless. Resilient. Raider.” It now stands proudly in the stadium’s northwest plaza, where it will greet generations of fans.
“Maxx Crosby isn’t just a great Raider—he is the embodiment of what it means to wear silver and black,” said team owner Mark Davis during the unveiling. “Today, we honor a warrior. And from this day forward, the number 98 is Maxx’s and Maxx’s alone.”
Crosby, visibly moved, delivered heartfelt remarks. “I’m beyond grateful,” he said. “To have my number retired, to see this statue—this is bigger than football. It represents years of hard work, struggle, and redemption. I hope this inspires people to believe that no matter where you start, you can rise.”
Drafted in 2019, Crosby has quickly ascended to become one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors, and the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. Off the field, Crosby is widely celebrated for his openness about mental health and addiction recovery, becoming a beacon of hope for many.
Retiring a number is a rare honor in Raiders history, making this gesture even more significant. The franchise’s decision cements Crosby’s legacy not just as a Raiders legend, but as a transformative figure in NFL history.
The event was attended by current and former teammates, coaches, NFL dignitaries, and thousands of fans. As the statue was revealed and fireworks erupted above the stadium, the moment symbolized more than just an individual accolade—it was the celebration of a legacy in the making.
