Maxx Crosby Named to Pro Bowl Ballot for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the 2024 NFL regular season winds down, one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers has earned well-deserved recognition: Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders has been named to the Pro Bowl ballot, marking his latest step in a career that continues to ascend. Crosby, a 2019 fourth-round pick out of Eastern Michigan, has long been the backbone of the Raiders’ defense, and this season’s performance—marked by relentless pass rushing and consistent playmaking—has solidified his status as one of the NFL’s top defensive players. For Raiders fans, the Pro Bowl nod is a validation of Crosby’s impact, while for the league, it’s a recognition of a player who has turned underdog beginnings into a legacy of excellence. Maxx Crosby Named to Pro Bowl Ballot for the Las Vegas Raiders explores the numbers behind his standout season, his journey to becoming a Pro Bowl staple, and what this honor means for both the player and the franchise.

Maxx Crosby Named to Pro Bowl Ballot for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the statistical dominance that earned Crosby his spot on the ballot—a 2024 campaign that has seen him rank among the NFL’s elite in nearly every pass-rushing category. Through 15 games, Crosby has recorded 12.5 sacks (tied for fifth in the league), 25 quarterback hits (third), and 18 tackles for loss (seventh), while also forcing two fumbles and recovering one. What makes these numbers even more impressive is his consistency: he’s recorded at least one sack in 10 of 15 games, including a two-sack performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8 and a three-sack outburst against the Denver Broncos in Week 12. Beyond the stats, Crosby’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses extends to run defense, where he’s tallied 58 total tackles—rare production for an edge rusher focused on pass rushing. “Maxx doesn’t just make plays—he controls games,” Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. “Quarterbacks have to account for him on every snap, and that opens things up for everyone else on our defense. He’s the engine that makes our unit go.” NFL analysts have echoed this sentiment, with Pro Football Focus giving Crosby an overall grade of 90.2—one of the highest among all defensive players this season.

A key part of Crosby’s Pro Bowl story is his history of turning recognition into motivation—this marks his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl ballot appearance, and he’s been selected to the game in each of the past three seasons. For Crosby, the Pro Bowl isn’t just an honor; it’s a benchmark of consistency in a league where defensive players often struggle to maintain elite production year after year. What sets his 2024 ballot nod apart, however, is the context: he’s achieved these numbers while drawing constant double-teams from opposing offenses, who have made stopping Crosby their top priority. In Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, for example, the Packers used a combination of tight ends and offensive tackles to block Crosby on 70% of his snaps—but he still managed to record a sack and three quarterback hits. “Teams game-plan for Maxx like he’s a Hall of Famer, and he still finds ways to impact the game,” Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said. “That’s the sign of a special player. He doesn’t let double-teams or scheming slow him down—he uses it as a challenge.” Crosby’s ability to overcome these obstacles has not only earned him Pro Bowl recognition but also the respect of peers across the league, with several quarterbacks naming him one of the toughest defenders to face.

A critical aspect of Maxx Crosby Named to Pro Bowl Ballot for the Las Vegas Raiders is the role Crosby plays in elevating the entire Raiders defense—and why the Las Vegas Raiders view him as irreplaceable. Beyond his individual production, Crosby’s presence makes every other defensive player better: his ability to draw double-teams creates one-on-one matchups for fellow edge rusher Malcolm Koonce, and his leadership on the field helps younger players like rookie defensive tackle Byron Young develop faster. This season, the Raiders’ defense ranks 11th in the NFL in sacks (38), and 40% of those sacks have come either from Crosby or from players who benefited from Crosby’s attention. Off the field, Crosby’s work ethic sets the standard for the team: he’s often the first player in the facility and the last to leave, and he regularly hosts film sessions with teammates to break down opponents. “Maxx isn’t just a player—he’s a leader who builds culture,” Raiders general manager Tom Telesco said. “When you have someone who works that hard and cares that much, it lifts everyone around him. For the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s more than a Pro Bowl candidate—he’s the heart of our defense.” This impact is why the Raiders signed Crosby to a four-year, $98.9 million extension in 2022—making him one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the league—and why they view his Pro Bowl success as a reflection of the team’s defensive growth.

Another layer of Crosby’s Pro Bowl recognition is his connection to the Las Vegas community, which has embraced him as one of the franchise’s most beloved players. Unlike some NFL stars who keep a low profile off the field, Crosby has immersed himself in Las Vegas life: he hosts an annual youth football camp, partners with local charities to fight food insecurity, and regularly attends community events to engage with fans. In 2023, he launched the “Crosby’s Crew” initiative, which invites children from underserved areas to Raiders games and pairs them with players for pre-game activities. This community involvement has made Crosby a fan favorite, and it’s not uncommon to see his jersey—bearing his iconic No. 98—among the most sold at Allegiant Stadium. “Las Vegas isn’t just a place I play football—it’s home,” Crosby said in a recent interview. “The fans here have supported me since day one, and I want to give back as much as they’ve given me.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, Crosby’s community work is an extension of his on-field leadership: he represents the franchise’s values of accountability and service, making him a role model for both teammates and fans. This connection has also made his Pro Bowl nods feel like a community victory, with fans taking to social media to campaign for his selection using the hashtag #VoteCrosby.

Wrapping up Maxx Crosby Named to Pro Bowl Ballot for the Las Vegas Raiders is what this honor means for Crosby’s legacy and the Raiders’ future. At just 27 years old, Crosby is already on pace to become one of the most decorated players in Raiders history: his 65.5 career sacks rank fifth in franchise history, and he’s on track to pass legends like Howie Long and Lyle Alzado in the coming seasons. A fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection would further cement his status as a modern-day Raiders great, and it would send a message to the league that the Raiders’ defense is built around a player who can compete with the best. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Crosby’s Pro Bowl success is also a sign of progress: after years of rebuilding, the team has a defensive cornerstone who can anchor the unit for years to come, and his presence will help attract other top talent in free agency. “Maxx Crosby is the kind of player you build a defense around, and this Pro Bowl nod is a reminder of that,” Pierce said. “He’s not just making plays—he’s building a legacy, and we’re proud to have him leading our team.” Maxx Crosby Named to Pro Bowl Ballot for the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately tells the story of a player who has exceeded every expectation, a fan base that has rallied behind him, and a franchise that views him as the centerpiece of its defensive future. As voting continues, one thing is clear: Crosby’s impact on the Raiders and the NFL extends far beyond the Pro Bowl—but this honor is a well-deserved recognition of a player who gives his all, every snap.