Raiders' Maxx Crosby explains reported Antonio Pierce trade threat

Las Vegas Raiders star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby recently spoke with Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post about why he reportedly could've forced his way to a different club had the Raiders not given interim head coach Antonio Pierce the full-time job. 

"I mean, sometimes being a leader isn’t the most popular thing… it’s not the easiest thing," Crosby explained. "It’s not always about doing the easiest and most popular route. And for me, I know I spoke for myself — that’s what being a leader is. And I was speaking for the guys, I was speaking for the organization. And that’s all that matters to me."

Noteworthy Raiders players such as Crosby and All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams publicly campaigned for Pierce to win the gig after he notched a 5-4 record as interim coach. The Raiders ultimately granted Crosby and Adams their wish in January. 

"I want to win," Crosby told Lemoncelli. "If I got to take heat for standing up for what everybody believes in, I’ll do that every single time, because I know I’m coming from a good place and I just want to win. I put in work all year round. I’m here in the building more than coaches, more than execs. I’m here every single day, sacrificing myself and my body and putting my body on the line to help this team win and I want everybody else with that same mentality."

During the 2021 season, then-interim coach Rich Bisaccia guided the Raiders to a playoff berth before he received support from players to receive the job on a permanent basis. Team owner Mark Davis instead hired Josh McDaniels, and Davis then dismissed McDaniels on Nov. 1, 2023. 

"So, I feel like I’ve earned that right to speak my mind, and share what I believe is best for the team, and, that’s what I did," Crosby continued. "And I stand by it. Some people had their own feelings and whatever opinions on it, but at the end of the day, it’s all white noise."

In hiring Pierce, the Raiders passed on big-name options such as New England Patriots legend Bill Belichick, former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and new Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. It's now on Pierce to reward the likes of Crosby and Adams for their faith beginning this coming September.