As Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby has developed as a player and gained superstar status in Las Vegas, he’s also learned a thing or two about the rich history of the Raiders franchise.
It’s already compelled him to get a Raiders tattoo — well before he inked his current long-term deal with the team — and now, values the Raiders hold dear are second nature to Crosby, who is entering his fourth season with Las Vegas.
His adoption of the historic Raiders franchise was evident when Crosby commented on new team president Sandra Douglass Morgan, who just made history in her own right.
Crosby was asked about Douglass Morgan, the first Black woman to be named team president of an NFL club, during a recent appearance on IT’S TIME! with Bruce Buffer.
“The Raider family has always gone in a different route than most other organizations. Al Davis started that trend way back in the day … and Mark [Davis] obviously has come in and continued that trend,” Crosby told Buffer. “And we just do it our way. At the end of the day, the most qualified person gets the job. And I feel like we’ve done a great job of doing that.
“And that’s something that I truly appreciate as a player — being in an organization that accepts everybody no matter what background they come from.”
Buffer wanted to know how closely an NFL team president works directly with the players, so Crosby provided some insight there as well, reiterating the Raiders’ philosophy along the way.
“Obviously, the team president role, they’re not as involved with the football side of things, but they’re still part of the family. They’re a big part of the bigger picture … at the end of the day, we’re not with them every single day, but they’re a huge part of what we do. No matter what, we just want the best and [most] qualified person, and she’s definitely the person for that job.”
Al Davis built one of the most successful franchises in sports doing it his own way, as Crosby alluded to, and it’s clear that the tradition continues, thanks to Mark Davis.
And with the Raiders front office making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately, the Raiders were in dire need of a heavy hitter that can take control and provide stability. It appears that’s exactly what Douglass Morgan is.
So once again, the Raiders make history by hiring the most qualified individual. It’s a philosophy as simple as it is groundbreaking.
As for Crosby, he knows about the Raiders’ three historic Super Bowl titles, too, and he’s a major reason for Las Vegas’ renewed championship aspirations.
Altogether, it appears the Raiders are in a good place right now as they stride toward a new season and new goals, with talented players that believe in the franchise, and a history-making, experienced team president at the helm.