Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most genuine and accountable players.
It’s also a near-impossible task to find a single person walking this planet who plays harder than he does.
Known for owning up to his mistakes on the field, Crosby recently shared his thoughts on how that same level of accountability isn’t always mirrored by the coaches he has played under.
Appearing on the Let’s Go Podcast, Crosby discussed the disparity he has observed in how some NFL coaches handle their own shortcomings.
“Every coach is different,” Crosby said. “I’ve been around coaches who make a bad decision, and they walk up in front of the guys and say I messed up, that’s on me I’ll take it on the chin. If anybody asks, put that on me.
“I’ve also been around the opposite, a bad decision the guys are talking about it in the locker room like what the f*ck are we doing? What are we possibly doing? Then, the coach doesn’t say anything about it and we’re like that motherf*cker … I’ve definitely seen that before too.”
Crosby, who has played under a range of coaches during his time with the Raiders – including Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and now Antonio Pierce – did not name names but highlighted the importance of leadership rooted in humility and accountability.
While it may be unfair to speculate, most people assume the unaccountable coach Crosby most likely is referring to is Josh McDaniels.
McDaniels is a masterful offensive coordinator. Having said that, he has failed twice as a head coach and there are many stories that don’t reflect too well on him.
Meanwhile, Crosby has always been outspoken about his respect and admiration for Jon Gruden and his leadership style.
It’s also been well-documented just how beloved Rich Bisaccia was during his short time as interim head coach.
Finally, say what you want about their current record, but by all accounts players love Antonio Pierce.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that McDaniels was the one Crosby was referring to … But that won’t stop the masses from assuming it is.
Crosby elaborated on what he believes is essential for a healthy dynamic between players and coaches.
“As a leader of men, I feel that way as a player, if I mess up, there’s some plays that I miss a sack, I jump off sides or something like that. In my heart I won’t feel right unless I say something as much as it bothers me,” he said.
“I’ll always go to my teammates and say that’s 100% on me. I got you, I’ll get you back.
“As a coach that’s super important to be a leader of the guys. To be able to take accountability because if you’re always just the one dishing it out and telling people you got to do this but not being able to take accountability yourself, I feel like that’s a bad leader.”
What are your thoughts on Crosby’s comments?
Do you think Josh McDaniels is indeed the bad apple he was referring to?
As for Pierce, do you think his days with the Raiders are numbered???
