Maxx Crosby posted a 13-minute farewell video on Sunday, a day after the Raiders agreed to trade him to the Baltimore Ravens, in which he pledged his loyalty to the franchise and expressed a desire to retire in silver and black.
“I bleed silver and black. That will never change, and I’m a Raider for life. I truly want to finish in a Raiders jersey when it’s all said and done, whenever that time comes,” Crosby said. “But it’s a new day. I’m going to Baltimore. Flock Nation.”
The defensive end, drafted in the fourth round out of Eastern Michigan in 2019, spent all seven years of his career with the Raiders, becoming the team’s most popular player and earning multiple tattoos representing the organization. Yet the Raiders made the playoffs only once during his tenure.
“Ever since I got here, I’ve had one goal and one mission, to become the best version of myself and bring a championship back to the Raider organization,” he said. “I feel like I left everything I had on the table for this team. I’ve given my heart and soul, and I feel like I let you all down. I wanted to create and build a winner with the Raiders.”
Crosby’s relationship with the team soured late this season when the Raiders shut him down for the final two games to pursue the No. 1 overall draft pick, a goal they achieved. His representatives began discussing a trade, though Crosby avoided direct questions about his future.
“I know a lot of people have had questions and concerns over these last couple weeks and months,” he said. “I decided to be quiet because there’s so much noise and ultimately I’m a football player. That’s my job. This is not something I predicted or saw happening, but I’m so excited and grateful. Vegas will always be my home, regardless of the situation. My family is here. I have a beautiful house here and that’s not going to change.”
Crosby spoke without notes, repeating himself at times to ensure authenticity, and admitted the process was difficult. “Everything that was involved with coming to this conclusion, was a whirlwind. I never thought I’d be in this position. I never thought I’d go anywhere else, but God works in mysterious ways,” he said. He claimed he has “zero ill will” toward the organization and understands fan frustration. “I can’t believe this is a real thing,” he added. “It’s been seven years with the Nation and Raider Nation has given me everything. One thing I can say above all else is I gave you all everything I’ve got, and I have no regrets about that.”
Now he turns his attention to the Ravens. “It’s time for this next chapter,” he said.
