The new quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, Geno Smith, envisions his role with the offense mirroring the impactful leadership that Maxx Crosby embodies for the team’s defense. Smith, in a video released by the Raiders, expressed his long-standing admiration for Crosby, developed through their on-field encounters as opponents, and conveyed his eagerness to now share the same sideline.
Las Vegas Raiders: Geno Smith On Maxx Crosby
Recalling their past matchups, Smith noted Crosby’s relentless tenacity. “When we played them in Seattle two or three years ago, he was such a pest,” Smith said. “I felt like every play he was hitting me some way, just finding a way to get to the quarterback. I’ve always been a big fan of his. When we were on the field playing against each other we were kind of laughing, joking with each other. I told him, ‘You’re not getting a sack today.’ He was like, ‘I’m coming. I’m going to get to you.’ He played hard the entire game. I was really, really impressed by that.” Smith’s anecdote highlights Crosby’s competitive spirit and unwavering effort.
Beyond Crosby’s on-field intensity, Smith also spoke to the defensive end’s character. “Then you get a chance to meet him, to see the kind of guy he is, that’s the way you want to lead the organization,” Smith thoughtfully observed.
“A guy who’s going to work, he’s going to play hard, be professional, do all the right things, set the example, set the tone for the other guys, for the young guys. When you’ve got a guy like Maxx, the sky’s the limit.” Smith clearly sees Crosby as a foundational leader whose work ethic and professionalism set a crucial standard for the entire team.
This offseason marks a period of significant transition for the Las Vegas Raiders, with Smith’s arrival as the starting quarterback and Pete Carroll taking the helm as head coach. However, one constant remains: Maxx Crosby will continue to serve as a captain and an unquestioned leader within the team.
Geno Smith’s expressed desire to lead in tandem with Crosby underscores a potential synergy in establishing a strong and unified team culture in Las Vegas.