Maxx Crosby's Respect for the Los Angeles Chargers

In the NFL, divisional rivalries are often defined by intensity, trash talk, and hard-fought battles—but for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, his rivalry with the Los Angeles Chargers carries something deeper: genuine respect. As one of the league’s top defensive players, Crosby has faced the Chargers 10 times in his career, engaging in memorable matchups that have tested his skills and pushed him to elevate his game. But beyond the on-field competition, Crosby has consistently spoken publicly about his admiration for the Chargers—their players, their coaching staff, and their commitment to excellence. Maxx Crosby's Respect for the Los Angeles Chargers explores the origins of this respect, the specific aspects of the Chargers that impress him most, how it influences their rivalry, and why it matters in a sport often dominated by animosity. For Crosby, the Chargers aren’t just an opponent—they’re a standard of excellence he strives to match.

Maxx Crosby's Respect for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the roots of his admiration: the Chargers’ ability to compete at a high level year after year, even amid adversity. Crosby first faced the Chargers as a rookie in 2019, when Los Angeles finished 5-11—but he saw glimpses of their potential in Justin Herbert, who was then a college prospect. By 2020, when Herbert took over as the Chargers’ quarterback, Crosby witnessed firsthand how the team transformed into a playoff contender. Over the years, he’s watched the Chargers navigate injuries, coaching changes, and roster shifts—yet they’ve remained a tough out for the Raiders, with 7 of their last 10 matchups decided by 7 points or fewer. “What I respect most about the Chargers is their resilience,” Crosby said in a 2025 pregame press conference. “They never fold, even when things don’t go their way. They show up every week, ready to compete—and that’s the mark of a good team.” This respect was cemented in 2023, when the Chargers lost key players to injuries but still pushed the Raiders to the brink in a Week 17 playoff elimination game. “That game showed me what the Chargers are made of,” Crosby added. “They didn’t have their full roster, but they played like champions. You can’t help but respect that.”

Maxx Crosby's Respect for the Los Angeles Chargers continues with his admiration for specific Chargers players, starting with quarterback Justin Herbert. Crosby has called Herbert “one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL” on multiple occasions, praising his ability to stay calm under pressure and make difficult throws look easy. The two have faced off 8 times, with Herbert throwing for 2,100 yards and 14 touchdowns against the Raiders—and Crosby sacking him 6 times. “Going up against Justin is a challenge every time,” Crosby said. “He has such a strong arm, and he’s so smart with the ball. You can’t let up for a second, because he’ll make you pay.” Crosby also has high praise for Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa, his fellow Pro Bowler and frequent matchup opponent. The two have battled in the trenches for years, with Bosa sacking Raiders quarterbacks 8 times and Crosby recording 7 sacks against the Chargers. “Joey is a guy I look up to,” Crosby admitted. “He’s been consistent at a high level for so long, and he plays the game the right way—tough, physical, no nonsense. We push each other to be better, and that’s the kind of rivalry you want.” Even unsung Chargers players get love from Crosby: he’s highlighted Jamaree Salyer’s consistency on the offensive line and Daiyan Henley’s tackling prowess as “underappreciated strengths” of the team.

Maxx Crosby's Respect for the Los Angeles Chargers also delves into his praise for the Chargers’ coaching staff, particularly head coach Jim Harbaugh. Crosby played against Harbaugh when Harbaugh was the head coach at Michigan (Crosby played college football at Eastern Michigan), and he’s watched with admiration as Harbaugh transformed the Chargers into a Super Bowl contender in 2025. “Coach Harbaugh has done an incredible job with that team,” Crosby said. “He’s brought a toughness and a discipline that the Chargers needed. You can see it in how they play—physical, focused, and united. He’s a great coach, and it shows in his players.” Crosby also respects defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley’s scheme, which has made the Chargers’ defense one of the league’s best in 2025. “Ansley’s playcalling is smart—he mixes things up, keeps you guessing,” Crosby explained. “Going up against their defense is a mental challenge as much as a physical one. You have to be prepared for anything, because they’ll throw everything at you.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this respect from a rival like Crosby is a validation of their hard work: “When a player of Maxx’s caliber speaks highly of your team, it means you’re doing something right,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a compliment, but it also keeps us humble—we know we have to bring our best every time we play the Raiders.”

Maxx Crosby's Respect for the Los Angeles Chargers explores how this respect shapes their on-field rivalry, creating a unique dynamic of competition and mutual admiration. Unlike some rivalries that turn chippy or personal, the Raiders-Chargers matchups under Crosby have been defined by hard play and sportsmanship. After a 2024 game, Crosby and Herbert hugged on the field, with Crosby telling Herbert “great game” and Herbert responding with “you’re a beast—keep it up.” In 2025, after the Chargers beat the Raiders 24-17, Crosby sought out Bosa to shake his hand and congratulate him on a “hell of a game.” “Rivalry doesn’t have to mean hatred,” Crosby said. “You can compete your hardest, then respect the other guy for doing the same. That’s how the game should be played.” This sportsmanship has not gone unnoticed by fans or the media: ESPN NFL analyst Adam Schefter called the Crosby-Herbert-Bosa dynamic “a breath of fresh air in a league that sometimes glorifies animosity.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this respectful rivalry makes the matchups even more meaningful: “When you play a team that respects you, it brings out the best in everyone,” Bosa said. “You don’t want to let them down, and you don’t want to let yourself down. It’s a win-win for the game.”

Maxx Crosby's Respect for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with why this respect matters—both for the teams and for the NFL as a whole. In a league where trash talk and personal attacks often dominate headlines, Crosby’s admiration for the Chargers shows that rivalry and respect can coexist. It sets an example for young players, teaching them that competition doesn’t have to be mean-spirited—and that respecting your opponent makes the game more enjoyable. For the Chargers, this respect is a reminder of their identity: a team that plays hard, acts with class, and earns the admiration of even its biggest rivals. “Maxx’s respect means a lot to us,” Herbert said. “It shows that we’re building something special here—something that other teams notice and admire.” As the Chargers and Raiders prepare for their 2025 Week 17 matchup (a potential playoff seeding game), Crosby’s respect will add another layer to the rivalry. “I’m going to go out there and compete my hardest, like always,” Crosby said. “But win or lose, I’ll shake their hands afterward. Because the Chargers deserve that respect—and so does the game we love.” In the end, Maxx Crosby's Respect for the Los Angeles Chargers is a story of sportsmanship: how two divisional rivals can push each other to greatness, while still honoring the game and each other. For the NFL, it’s a reminder of what makes football special—and for the Chargers, it’s a validation of the culture they’ve built.