Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby highlighted his strong bond with Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt during an NFL Network appearance. The two pass rushers have shared Pro Bowl experiences and mutual respect despite their competition. Crosby downplayed trade rumors while expressing admiration for Watt's career.
Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders' standout defensive end, opened up about his "great relationship" with Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt on NFL Network’s ‘Super Bowl Live’ coverage on February 6, 2026. The interview, aired ahead of the Super Bowl, showcased the camaraderie between two of the NFL's premier pass rushers.
“Me and T.J. have had a great relationship,” Crosby said. “We’ve been at Pro Bowls together and picked each other’s brains. He’s a guy that I’ve looked up to. He’s a little bit older than me, so he’s one of those guys that I aspire to be like.”
Crosby and Watt have combined for 13 Pro Bowl selections, with both earning nods every year since 2021—Watt's streak dating back to 2018. Beyond their sack totals, both players are known for their relentless play against the run and high snap counts. Watt typically plays around 80% of snaps, while Crosby's usage hovers in the mid-90% range, one of the highest in the league.
Contractually, both have secured massive deals: Crosby signed a $106.5 million extension in March 2025, followed by Watt's market-resetting $123 million agreement later that year. “T.J.’s an incredible player, future Hall of Famer,” Crosby added. “Any type of advice he gives me or shares with me, it holds a lot of weight.”
This isn't the first time Crosby has praised Watt. In 2024, after Watt reached his 100th career sack—the second-fastest in NFL history—Crosby publicly commended him, even as the Raiders prepared to face the Steelers. Crosby himself has 69.5 sacks over seven seasons, including double-digit totals in three of his last four years (limited to 12 games in 2024).
Trade rumors have swirled around Crosby heading into 2026, but he downplayed them during the interview, noting they are unlikely to land him with the Steelers. Potential suitors like the Baltimore Ravens or Cincinnati Bengals could make him a divisional rival to Watt, adding fuel to their friendly competition. “So now that we’re kind of going in competition, trying to outdo each other, we’re gonna make comments back and forth. And he’s gonna tell me to chill out a little bit,” Crosby joked.
