After a humiliating 31–0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7, Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby sent shockwaves through Raider Nation with a postgame comment that fans are calling “unthinkable.”
The Pro Bowl edge rusher, known for his relentless energy and leadership, stunned reporters when he delivered unexpected praise for the team that just dismantled his own. Speaking candidly at the podium, Crosby described the Chiefs as “the gold standard of the AFC” and said their performance represented the kind of football every team should strive for.
“The Chiefs right now are playing on a completely different level,” Crosby said. “They’re not just chasing the AFC West, they’re chasing the Super Bowl. The way they command every drive, the way that offense and defense feed off each other — it’s total dominance. Losing to Kansas City isn’t something to hang your head about. They’re not just contenders anymore… they’re the standard of the AFC.”
The quote spread across social media within minutes, with many Raiders fans accusing Crosby of “admiring the enemy.” Within hours, the hashtag #CrosbyToChiefs began trending in both Nevada and Missouri, as speculation grew that the Raiders’ defensive cornerstone could be showing signs of frustration — or even interest in a future with Kansas City.
Crosby’s remarks came after one of the worst losses of his career. The Raiders’ defense allowed 434 total yards and 21 first downs in the first half, while Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns before sitting out the fourth quarter. Kansas City wideout Rashee Rice returned from injury and suspension to add two touchdown catches, while tight end Travis Kelce reeled in a 44-yard reception that electrified Arrowhead Stadium.
Crosby, meanwhile, exited the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and did not return. His absence left a gaping hole in the Raiders’ pass rush as Mahomes operated with surgical precision.
That context, however, did little to soften the backlash. Raiders fans filled social media threads and talk shows with anger, accusing Crosby of betraying the team’s culture and disrespecting the rivalry.
“You don’t praise the team that just shut you out,” one fan wrote on X. “That’s not leadership — that’s surrender.”
Some analysts defended Crosby’s comments, arguing that his praise reflected honesty and sportsmanship, not disloyalty. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington noted, “He’s a competitor acknowledging greatness. It’s uncomfortable, but he’s not wrong — Kansas City is the standard right now.”
Still, the reaction from Raider Nation has been overwhelmingly negative, with some questioning Crosby’s long-term future in Las Vegas. The 28-year-old star remains under contract through 2026, but insiders note that his body language and tone suggest growing frustration with the team’s direction.
Crosby did not clarify his remarks on Monday but offered one brief follow-up when asked about the controversy.
“I respect winners,” he said simply. “And right now, they’re winning. That’s what every player should want.”
Whether it was admiration, exhaustion, or a subtle message to the front office, one thing is clear — Crosby’s words have made the Raiders’ latest loss to Kansas City feel like more than just another defeat.
