"I was dying" - Maxx Crosby recalls dark days of battling addiction before choosing sobriety
Maxx Crosby, who had a rough start to his professional career, opened about his addiction days. He battled addiction at the start of his NFL journey before checking into rehab in 2020. In March, the Las Vegas Raiders DE celebrated his fifth year of sobriety.
Crosby hasn't been shy about sharing his experiences battling addiction. On Thursday, the four-time Pro Bowler, on an episode of Johnny Manziel's Glory Daze podcast, recalled his days as an addict and how it affected his life. He also opened up about his difficulties after becoming sober.
"Every time I have a doubt or any type of struggle, I just think about my last day using," Crossby said (38:05). "I felt like I was dying. That's the person I never want to go back to because I know how dark it was. Even now, it's tough times.
"I've gone through a lot of adversity in my life even since I've been sober. I have all the money, success- that stuff's harder than anything. But you have to stand true to who you are and stand on your principle and morals, set boundaries and do what's best. It's not selfish to do what's best for you.
"My whole life, I feel like that was a big part of why I leaned on alcohol and drugs when I was going through it. I was the happy go-lucky guy juyst trying to fit in. Now, I'm not trying to fit in with anybody. I'm content with who I have around me."
Last season, Maxx Crosby played 12 games for the Raiders before he was sidelined for the rest of the season due to surgery for an ankle injury ahead of Week 15.
The DE recorded 45 tackles, 20 QB hits and 7.5 sacks as the Raiders finished 4-13. In March, the Raiders offered Crosby a three-year contract extension worth $106.5 million.
Maxx Crosby shares his take on Shedeur Sanders' chances with the Browns
Before the 2025 NFL draft, the Raiders were one of the teams linked with Coach Prime's son, Shedeur Sanders. However, they passed up on the ex-Colorado quarterback and went with Cam Miller in round six. They also acquired Tom Mellott.
Shedeur Sanders eventually went to the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick. They have four quarterbacks battling for a roster spot this offseason. Maxx Crosby shared his thoughts on Shedeur's QB1 chances.
"I love the kid," Crosby said about Shedeur. "I've always had a great relationship with him, and I wish him the best. ... I don't know if New York would have been the best spot for him. ... So it just works out how it's supposed to work out. He's going to have to really earn it. His leash is a bit shorter now, being a fifth-round pick, and he's got to earn it."
While Shedeur fights for a spot on the Browns roster, Maxx Crosby will look forward to the Raiders' season opener against the Patriots in September.