It’s evident every Sunday that Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is what scouts call a “high-motor” player. As in, he never stops giving 100-percent maximum effort, no matter the circumstance.
It turns out that Crosby is motivated by two of the best playmaking guards in NBA history, Michael Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant.
After the Raiders beat the Patriots on Sunday — thanks to a game-sealing safety from Crosby and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols — Crosby revealed that he’s constantly searching to find the “zone” that Jordan and Bryant thrived in, whether it’s gameday or he’s preparing for the gridiron.
“The great ones, the Kobes, the Jordans, they’re always in the zone,” Crosby said, according to 8 News Now’s Logan Reever. “Whatever that is, whatever I’ve gotta do to get to that by gameday, that’s what you have to solve to stay at the top and be at the highest level.
“I’m constantly searching to be in the zone at all times — practice, weight room, and then obviously on Sundays when I’m out on the field. [When] you’re in the zone, it comes from preparation, mental strength, and mental fortitude to be consistent in everything you do in preparation leading up to it.”
Maxx Crosby references Kobe and Jordan when talking about his mindset and winning:@CrosbyMaxx #RaiderNation #Raiders pic.twitter.com/pNcALgl74J
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) October 16, 2023
Crosby mentioned that he wants to find the zone — let’s call it the “greatness zone”– at all times, not just on Sunday. That’s no surprise, as it’s been a common comment from Crosby’s coaches and teammates that he always goes 100 percent, even in walk-throughs at practice.
It’s also no surprise Crosby looks up to Jordan and Bryant. He has large tattoos of each NBA legend prominently displayed on his torso, with boxing legend Muhammad Ali in the middle of the two.
Raiders DE Maxx Crosby has some insane tattoos. 🔥
(📸: @CrosbyMaxx) pic.twitter.com/bmEXJyrwpf
— Sportsbook Review (@SBRReview) August 23, 2023
The Raiders defense is off to a solid early-season start, and Crosby’s consistently-high performance level is at the center of it. He appears to still be improving on the field, and his leadership qualities are already exceptional.
If the defense wants to continue its improved play, the entire group would do well to look for the greatness zone, just like Crosby. Not every player has Crosby’s skill, but they can all give maximum, greatness-chasing effort on the field and elsewhere.
With 11 high-motor players on defense at all times, the Raiders’ chances of making the playoffs would rise exponentially. We already know Crosby is full speed ahead. All his teammates have to do is follow him as closely as they can, starting this week against the Bears in Chicago.
