Eastern Michigan Athletics
Crosby Returns to EMU as Part of Champions 4 Life Series
6/24/2023 4:55:00 PM | Football
The NFL standout spoke as a part of the series that challenges, educates, and inspires
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – "The Condor" has returned to Rynearson Stadium. Current Las Vegas Raiders standout and former Eastern Michigan University football student-athlete Maxx Crosby returned to Ypsilanti Friday, June 23, as a part of the program's annual Champions 4 Life Series. Crosby spoke to the team about his development at EMU, his journey to the NFL, and his struggles with overcoming alcohol addiction.
Additionally, EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee and Head Football Coach Chris Creighton surprised Crosby with a ceremony and a plaque to commemorate his official induction into the EMU Football Ring of Honor inside Rynearson Stadium. It marked the first time Crosby had been back on campus since his name was installed in it during the fall of 2020.
"It is so good to have Maxx back on campus," mentioned Creighton. "He has been on an incredible journey the past few years and sharing that journey both on field and off field with our guys was powerful. We are so proud of him and the positive impact he is making on so many lives. This was awesome."
To be included in the Ring of Honor, the individual must have been awarded All-American status by a major publication and/or played in an official National Football League game. All told, 53 EMU greats have their name installed at the top of the stadium. The names, which were originally dedicated at the 2003 Homecoming game against Western Michigan, were redone in 2020 with new 20-inch tall vinyl lettering.
During his time at EMU, Crosby showcased unparalleled skill and dedication to the game. His impressive record of 20.0 career sacks places him among the top defensive players in EMU's history. Additionally, his 41.0 career tackles-for-loss stand as the third-highest in the university's storied football program. In 2017, Crosby equaled the EMU single-season record for sacks, a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Crosby's exceptional performance on the field did not go unnoticed. His outstanding 2017 season, with 11 sacks, firmly established him as one of the premier defensive players in the conference and the nation. Moreover, he became the first EMU player in the modern statistical era to achieve the remarkable feat of three sacks in back-to-back games. These accomplishments set the stage for his next chapter, as he was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Crosby, who earned the nickname "Condor" because of his incredible 81-inch wingspan, continued to captivate audiences with his raw talent and unwavering determination in the NFL. In his debut season, he wasted no time making an impact, registering an impressive 10 sacks and 47 combined tackles. His exceptional performance propelled him into the conversation for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Throughout his professional career, Crosby has consistently showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His remarkable athleticism and skill set have earned him accolades, including being named NFL All-Pro second team by The Associated Press. In the 2021 Pro Bowl, hosted in Las Vegas, Crosby delivered yet another awe-inspiring performance, earning the game's Defensive MVP award. His two sacks, five total tackles, and three tackles for loss left an indelible mark on the field and in the hearts of fans.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – "The Condor" has returned to Rynearson Stadium. Current Las Vegas Raiders standout and former Eastern Michigan University football student-athlete Maxx Crosby returned to Ypsilanti Friday, June 23, as a part of the program's annual Champions 4 Life Series. Crosby spoke to the team about his development at EMU, his journey to the NFL, and his struggles with overcoming alcohol addiction.
Additionally, EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee and Head Football Coach Chris Creighton surprised Crosby with a ceremony and a plaque to commemorate his official induction into the EMU Football Ring of Honor inside Rynearson Stadium. It marked the first time Crosby had been back on campus since his name was installed in it during the fall of 2020.
"It is so good to have Maxx back on campus," mentioned Creighton. "He has been on an incredible journey the past few years and sharing that journey both on field and off field with our guys was powerful. We are so proud of him and the positive impact he is making on so many lives. This was awesome."
To be included in the Ring of Honor, the individual must have been awarded All-American status by a major publication and/or played in an official National Football League game. All told, 53 EMU greats have their name installed at the top of the stadium. The names, which were originally dedicated at the 2003 Homecoming game against Western Michigan, were redone in 2020 with new 20-inch tall vinyl lettering.
During his time at EMU, Crosby showcased unparalleled skill and dedication to the game. His impressive record of 20.0 career sacks places him among the top defensive players in EMU's history. Additionally, his 41.0 career tackles-for-loss stand as the third-highest in the university's storied football program. In 2017, Crosby equaled the EMU single-season record for sacks, a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Crosby's exceptional performance on the field did not go unnoticed. His outstanding 2017 season, with 11 sacks, firmly established him as one of the premier defensive players in the conference and the nation. Moreover, he became the first EMU player in the modern statistical era to achieve the remarkable feat of three sacks in back-to-back games. These accomplishments set the stage for his next chapter, as he was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Crosby, who earned the nickname "Condor" because of his incredible 81-inch wingspan, continued to captivate audiences with his raw talent and unwavering determination in the NFL. In his debut season, he wasted no time making an impact, registering an impressive 10 sacks and 47 combined tackles. His exceptional performance propelled him into the conversation for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Throughout his professional career, Crosby has consistently showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His remarkable athleticism and skill set have earned him accolades, including being named NFL All-Pro second team by The Associated Press. In the 2021 Pro Bowl, hosted in Las Vegas, Crosby delivered yet another awe-inspiring performance, earning the game's Defensive MVP award. His two sacks, five total tackles, and three tackles for loss left an indelible mark on the field and in the hearts of fans.
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