There are a few players in the NFL today who can intimidate opposing quarterbacks quite like Las Vegas Raiders superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby.

Every single season, Crosby takes another step toward winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year while being mentioned in the same breath as Myles Garrett, Nick Bosa and T.J. Watt.

Crosby has become a household name over the last few years due to his impact on the field. He was selected by his peers as No. 22 in the 2025 edition of the “NFL’s Top 100.” The 28-year-old is now one of the faces of the Raiders franchise and, without a doubt, one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.

EssentiallySports caught up with the Raiders superstar recently to discuss his new partnership with Monster Energy, as well as several topics related to his team, including head coach Pete Carroll‘s leadership, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty‘s potential, tight end Brock Bowers, quarterback Geno Smith and the GOAT debate in football and basketball.

Maxx Crosby on the new regime in Las Vegas

We began our football conversation talking about the change at the top of the organization, with a Super Bowl-winning coach at the helm.

Q: The Raiders have new leadership on the sidelines with Pete Carroll. What is the one thing he brings to the table that no other coach has during your playing career?

Crosby:  “Every single day, he’s fired up. He’s been around the game forever, but he still brings that same passion – like it’s day one. That’s contagious, and it pushes us as players.”

Do you have the Defensive Player of the Year award circled as a goal for this season or at some point in your career?

“Of course. I want to be the best in the league, period. That award is on the list, no question. But I know if I handle my business every snap, the rest will take care of itself.”

Do you come into a season with a set number of goals? Sacks? Shutouts? Something else?

“I don’t set numbers. My goal is to dominate every play. If I do that… the sacks, the stats, the shutouts… they’ll all stack up.”

Who is your favorite Raiders teammate that you’ve played with during your time with the franchise?

“I would just say Malcolm Koonce, Adam Butler, Tyree Wilson. But honestly, I’ve been blessed with a lot of teammates who’ve had my back.”

Is there one defensive end or defensive player in the past that you try to model your game after or idolize as a role model?

“Growing up, there were a handful of players I looked up to. But I always wanted to take pieces from all the greats and make my own style.”

Does the new backfield addition carry all-time ‘juice’?

When it comes to the newest leaders on the offensive side of the ball, Crosby had high praise for a pair of teammates.

Do you see Ashton Jeanty eventually becoming an elite Raiders running back mentioned in the same breath as Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen?

“The kid’s got juice. He works, he listens, he’s explosive. If he keeps stacking days, he’s gonna be special. That’s the standard here.”

What makes Brock Bowers so special and a potential generational talent at tight end?

“He’s versatile. He can block, he can run routes, he’s tough as hell. That combination doesn’t come around often. That’s why people are calling him generational, and they’re not wrong.”

Dream teaming and some ‘Monster’ love

When we asked him to name the one defender he’d love to see lined up next to him, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks, Crosby didn’t hesitate with an answer.

Which defensive end in the league today would make the most lethal dynamic duo playing alongside you?

“Myles Garrett. Two relentless dudes coming off the edge? Quarterbacks wouldn’t sleep all week.”

You recently partnered with Monster Energy. What led to this collaboration?

“It felt natural. Their energy, their culture, their edge matches mine. It wasn’t just about a drink; it was about partnering with a brand that’s as relentless as I am.?

What separates Monster Energy from everyone else?

“It’s the lifestyle. Monster isn’t just a brand; it’s limitless, it’s performance, it’s staying locked in when everyone else is fading. They understand athletes, creators, and competitors. That’s why it fits me.”

Has Monster always been your go-to energy drink?

“Yeah. Long before the partnership, I was drinking Monster. Now it’s official, but I’ve been rocking with it for years.”

Looking ahead, praising his QB & weighing in on the GOAT debate

We finished our chat with a look at the big games of the year and some love for current stars in his locker room and shoutouts to the all-time greats.

Which game have you circled on the calendar this season?

“Every game. But if I had to pick one? Always divisional. Chiefs’ week, Broncos’ week, Chargers’ week… those games hit different.”

What has impressed you from going head-to-head against Geno Smith in practice?

“Geno’s calm under pressure. He’s accurate, he’s smart, and he’s not afraid to take shots. He makes you work in practice, and that only makes us better.”

GOAT Debate: Brady or Montana or Mahomes or Manning? Kobe or MJ or LeBron?

“Quarterbacks: Tom Brady. Seven rings, that’s the standard. Basketball? I gotta go with MJ: Six-for-six, killer instinct. But I got respect for all of them.”

Check out Maxx Crosby’s new podcast, The Rush, dropping new episodes weekly on The Rush YouTube channel.