Maxx Crosby said he would still like to retire as a Raider in an emotional 13-minute farewell video posted Sunday after he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.
“I bleed silver and black,” Crosby said. “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.
“But it’s a new day. I’m going to Baltimore. Flock Nation.”
Crosby has spent all seven years of his career with the Raiders after the team drafted him out of Eastern Michigan in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.
While Crosby has blossomed into a star in the league, his production didn’t translate into success for the team.
The Raiders made the playoffs just one time 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, who individually thanked several team staffers and teammates in the video, has several tattoos representing the organization and has become its most popular player.
He has in the past often stated a desire to spend his entire career with the Raiders and was one of just four remaining players from their time in Oakland.
Things changed late this season, however. A strained relationship reached a boiling point when the team shut him down for the final two games of the season as it pursued the No. 1 pick in the draft, a goal that was ultimately realized.
Crosby associates publicly started discussing his desire for a trade, though he chose to sidestep direct questions about whether he was open to leaving this offseason.
“I know a lot of people have had questions and concerns over these last couple weeks and months,” he said, citing a tendency to be too vocal about organizational issues in the past. “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, who repeated himself a few times as he spoke with no notes because he said he wanted to ensure authenticity, admitted it has been a trying time dealing with so much speculation and uncertainty.
“Everything that was involved with coming to this conclusion, was a whirlwind,” he said. “I never thought I’d be in this position. I never thought iId go anywhere else, but God works in mysterious ways. I didn’t plan on things to be like this, but things happen for a reason and I believe that.
“I understand people have their opinions and they’re going to be upset and they have every right to be upset. I totally understand it because you guys have passion for the game and love this team and organization and want a winner, just like myself.”
Still, Crosby claimed he has “zero ill will” towards the organization.
“I can’t believe this is a real thing,” he said of his departure. “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. I put everything into trying to win as a Raider. It’s tough. It’s been a damn journey since the day I got drafted.”
Now he has the same goals for his time with the Ravens.
“It’s time for this next chapter.”
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
