Leadership Praised in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders wrap up a season defined by resilience, late-game comebacks, and a hard-fought push for playoff contention, one constant has emerged as a key driver of their success: exceptional leadership, both on and off the field. From veteran stars setting the tone in the locker room to young players stepping up in high-pressure moments, the Raiders’ leadership has been praised by coaches, analysts, and teammates alike—turning potential losses into wins and fostering a culture of accountability that has kept the team competitive through adversity. Whether it’s a pre-game speech that fires up the squad, a clutch play to seal a victory, or a commitment to mentoring rookies, the Raiders’ leaders have embodied the team’s “Silver and Black” spirit all season long. Leadership Praised in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders explores the standout leaders, their impact on the team, and why their contributions have been so vital to the Raiders’ performance.

Leadership Praised in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the on-field leadership of defensive end Maxx Crosby, whose relentless work ethic and emotional intensity have made him the heart of the Raiders’ defense. Crosby, a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year, leads the team with 14 sacks, 65 tackles, and 23 quarterback hits—but his influence extends far beyond statistics. In Week 12, with the Raiders trailing the Minnesota Vikings by 10 points in the fourth quarter, Crosby delivered a fiery sideline speech that rallied the defense, which went on to force three turnovers and secure a 27-20 win. Teammates often cite his practice habits—arriving two hours early to study film, staying late to work on pass-rushing drills—as a model for everyone in the locker room. “Maxx doesn’t just lead with his play—he leads with his effort,” defensive tackle Jerry Tillery said. “When you see a guy who’s already a star putting in more work than anyone else, it makes you want to elevate your game too. He’s the reason our defense has so much fight this season.” Crosby’s leadership has also been recognized league-wide, with NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger calling him “one of the most influential defensive leaders in the NFL right now.”

A second pillar of the Raiders’ leadership this season is wide receiver Davante Adams, who has used his experience and poise to stabilize the offense and mentor younger pass-catchers. Adams, in his second season with the Raiders, leads the team with 98 receptions, 1,150 yards, and 9 touchdowns—but his greatest impact has come in guiding rookies like wide receiver Tre Tucker and tight end Michael Mayer. Adams hosts weekly film sessions with the young receivers, breaking down route-running techniques and helping them read defensive coverages. In Week 15, when quarterback Aidan O’Connell struggled with turnovers early, Adams pulled him aside during a timeout to calm him down and offer advice—O’Connell responded by throwing two touchdown passes in the second half to secure a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. “Davante is the ultimate professional,” O’Connell said. “He’s been in every situation you can imagine, and he never panics. When things get tough, he’s the guy everyone looks to for guidance. He doesn’t just make plays—he makes everyone around him better.” Off the field, Adams has also been a leader in the community, organizing a holiday toy drive for Las Vegas families in need—a move that has further endeared him to teammates and fans.

Leadership Praised in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders also includes the steady hand of head coach Josh McDaniels, whose ability to adapt to adversity and keep the team focused has been critical for the Las Vegas Raiders. After a slow 2-4 start to the season, McDaniels made key adjustments to the offense—simplifying the playbook for O’Connell and emphasizing a more balanced run-pass attack—that helped the Raiders win six of their next eight games. Instead of pointing fingers after losses, McDaniels took accountability in press conferences and used film sessions to teach rather than criticize, a approach that has built trust with his players. “Coach McDaniels never lets us get too high or too low,” linebacker Denzel Perryman said. “After a win, he’s already talking about what we need to fix. After a loss, he’s reminding us of our potential. He keeps us grounded, and that’s exactly what we need in a long season.” McDaniels has also empowered his assistant coaches, giving defensive coordinator Patrick Graham autonomy to call plays that play to the defense’s strengths—a decision that has led to the Raiders ranking in the top 10 in the NFL in takeaways. For the Las Vegas Raiders, McDaniels’ leadership has been the glue that has held the team together through ups and downs.

Another unexpected source of leadership this season has been running back Josh Jacobs, who has overcome a contract dispute and injury concerns to become a vocal leader in the locker room for the Las Vegas Raiders. Jacobs, who held out of training camp before signing a one-year deal, has rushed for 950 yards and 7 touchdowns this season—but his leadership has shined brightest in moments of adversity. When the Raiders lost three key offensive linemen to injuries in November, Jacobs called a players-only meeting to rally the offense, urging his teammates to “play for each other” and “embrace the challenge.” In the following game, Jacobs rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, leading the Raiders to a upset win. “Josh has grown so much as a leader this season,” offensive lineman Andre James said. “He used to let his emotions get the best of him, but now he channels that energy into lifting everyone up. When he speaks, people listen—because he’s not just talking, he’s backing it up with his play.” Jacobs has also been a mentor to rookie running back Zamir White, sharing tips on pass protection and how to read defensive fronts—a selfless act that has strengthened the running back room. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs’ evolution as a leader has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season.

Finally, Leadership Praised in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the collective leadership of the Raiders’ veteran core, which has set a standard for the team’s future and earned praise from across the NFL for the Las Vegas Raiders. Players like Crosby, Adams, Jacobs, and Perryman—all with at least five years of NFL experience—have created a culture where hard work, accountability, and teamwork are non-negotiable. This culture has rubbed off on younger players: rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett, for example, has already adopted Crosby’s film-study habits, and Mayer has credited Adams with helping him adjust to the NFL. The Raiders’ leadership has also been recognized by opponents, with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes saying, “The Raiders play with so much heart this season, and you can tell their leaders are holding everyone accountable. They’re a tough team to play against because they never quit.” While the Raiders may not have made the playoffs, their leadership has laid a foundation for future success—a fact not lost on general manager Tom Telesco. “Leadership is the most important ingredient in building a winning team,” Telesco said. “We have a group of guys who understand what it takes to win, and they’re passing that knowledge on to the next generation. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this season’s leadership isn’t just something to praise—it’s something to build on.” Leadership Praised in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately shows that while talent wins games, leadership wins seasons—and the Raiders have built a leadership core that will serve them well for years to come.