Patrick Mahomes hasn’t met too many defenders in the AFC West that have consistently given him trouble during his illustrious career. But there’s one player he faces twice a year who stands out in his mind for making life difficult: Raiders All-Pro Maxx Crosby. The history between these two is well-documented, and it seems Crosby has made a lasting impression on the Chiefs’ two-time MVP.
In a recent chat with Kay Adams, Mahomes opened up about some of the toughest defenders he’s faced, and Crosby was the first name he mentioned. “I think he’s sacked me the most out of anyone I’ve ever played against,” Mahomes noted. “So, to me, he’s the best pass rusher I’ve played against.”
Not mincing words, Mahomes continued, “No offense to any other pass rusher—just putting it out there. But he is the best one that I’ve gone up against because he goes out there and he gives you the effort, he has the moves, and he has the skill. And I think it’s hard to have all three of those and have them year-in and year-out.”
Despite suiting up for a division rival, Mahomes holds a significant respect for Crosby’s relentless style. “I have so much respect for all those guys in the league that are about their craft, they’re about being better and better,” Mahomes added. He acknowledges the fierce competition that is inherent to Chiefs-Raiders matchups, describing the clash against Crosby as “two of the greatest in the league going at each other snap after snap and continuing to do it twice a year.”
That healthy respect doesn’t mean they don’t exchange a bit of competitive banter when they meet on the gridiron. “There’s so much healthy respect, but when we get on that football field, it’s going to be trash talk. It’s going to be going out there, he’s going to try to get to me, I’m going to be trying to make big plays happen,” Mahomes said.
The next chapter of this compelling rivalry is set for Week 7. Whenever Mahomes and Crosby face off, it’s guaranteed to be a battle, ensuring fans are treated to a spirited showdown between two top-tier talents.
