Raiders tattoos are plentiful in the Raider Nation. But one piece of silver-and-black body art stands above the rest as best in team history. Or at the very least, the best of the 21st century.
The prizewinning ink belongs to defensive end Maxx Crosby, who is fresh off inking a new contract extension with the Raiders. Obviously, there are no stats for the best tattoo. But Crosby’s is No. 1 in my book. And it ain’t close.
Long before signing his new deal, which makes him one of the highest-paid EDGE players in NFL history, solidifying his status as the most coveted roster piece on the team, Crosby tatted his employer’s logo onto his arm. For Crosby, it was zero to “Raiders for Life” in no time.
It’s a common move for Raiders fans. But for a player? In a cutthroat business like the NFL? With players changing teams and flaming out, even if they have big rookie seasons like Crosby did? That’s an incredible amount of confidence and faith. Unreasonable, even.
But Crosby started wearing the Raiders shield on his sleeve following his first season, and it’s been all uphill for him since.
☠️☠️☠️ pic.twitter.com/pu5OoxwKD6
— 🦅MaddMaxx🦅 (@CrosbyMaxx) June 1, 2020
That’s more than many Raiders fans can say. Since the Raiders’ last Super Bowl appearance, countless fans got Raiders tattoos, only to have their Sundays ruined on most occasions.
That’s why Crosby is the perfect leader for Las Vegas. On the field, he’s taken charge of the defense. Off the field, he’s shown the Raider Nation that Raiders tattoos — a symbol of belief in the Raiders franchise — can lead to winning and great fortune, not just two playoff appearances since 2002.
That spirit will come in handy as Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels build their roster. With the Broncos and Chargers improving drastically via trade already, it’s time for Raiders fans to have faith that Las Vegas can make its own big moves in free agency and the NFL Draft. It’s the same feeling many fans had when they said “Raiders for Life” themselves and got the ink to prove it.
The Raiders brass certainly made the right decision with Crosby. That much is clear to anyone who’s watched him play. Not to mention seen him become a leader out the gate and grow more into that role over time. It sounds like an easy call, but the last regime messed up a similar situation with ex-Raiders DE Khalil Mack.
And though Crosby wasn’t the only player in his Raiders draft class to get a Raiders tattoo — running back Josh Jacobs and DE Clelin Ferrell did as well — Crosby’s future with the Raiders is no longer in doubt thanks to his new deal, which sets the table for the rest of Ziegler’s acquisitions.
To think it all started with a Raiders tattoo. But not just any Raiders tattoo. The best Raiders tattoo of the 21st century and honestly, I don’t see it ever being topped.
It would mean nothing without a ton of hard work Crosby, however, resulting in an All-Pro nod last season and his new contract. Now, he’s the No. 1 source of leadership and inspiration for Raiders fans, their own Raiders tattoos displayed with rejuvenated pride, as Las Vegas sets out to compete in a loaded division with a new regime running the show.
