Eastern Michigan Athletics
Maxx Crosby Named Assistant General Manager for EMU Football
4/14/2025 2:00:00 PM | Football
The four-time NFL Pro-Bowler and current member of the Las Vegas Raiders will assist in recruiting and fundraising
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Former Eastern Michigan University defensive end and current NFL standout Maxx Crosby has been named Assistant General Manager of the EMU football team, EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee and Head Football Coach Chris Creighton jointly announced today, April 14. Crosby, the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, will assist with evaluating high school and transfer portal prospects and help manage the team’s NIL/revenue share budget. He will also serve as a Special Assistant to the Athletic Director on fundraising, alumni relations, and student-athlete support.
As part of his continued commitment to the program, Crosby also launched the “Maxx Match”—a fundraising challenge in which he will personally match all donations to EMU Football, up to $100,000, made before the end of May. To donate visit EMUEagles.com/MaxxMatch or pledge a recurring gift by contacting Jessica Nietrzeba at 734.487.0264 or jnietrze@emich.edu. This fundraising challenge comes on the heels of Maxx and Rachel’s $1 million donation to EMU football in 2023.
To further solidify the bond between Maxx Crosby and EMU Football, the program will rename the weakside defensive end position on the depth chart from “LEO” to “MAXX.” Additionally, the team’s top edge pass rusher will now wear jersey No. 92 —Crosby’s iconic number—as a tribute to his legacy and impact on the program.
There is no place more important to my personal and athletic development than Eastern Michigan University. It truly is an honor for me to not only be named the Assistant GM of the EMU, but together with my wife Rachel, make another donation aimed at creating opportunities for other athletes to be impacted by the EMU program, community, students and alumni.- MaxxCrosby
Maxx Crosby’s return to EMU in this leadership role is a transformative moment for our football program. His passion, vision, and generosity are inspiring, and the Maxx Match is a powerful example of that. By personally matching every gift through the end of May, Maxx is challenging all of us to step up and invest in something bigger than ourselves. With him on board, we’re building a better football program and a stronger future for EMU Athletics.- EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee
It’s always special when former players return to be part of our staff, and this is truly a full-circle moment. There’s something powerful about staying in one place and building something meaningful over time — Maxx is a shining example. He has already positively impacted our program, and now we’re taking it to another level. His passion for mentoring and developing our players is inspiring. I mean, how many people have a position named after them? That’s got to be a first. Big-time edge rushers will want to come here—not just to play but to build a relationship with Maxx and learn from one of the best. We just finished up a really good spring and are fired up for our future.- Head Football Coach Chris Creighton
Crosby’s impact at EMU was felt immediately. He left a lasting legacy with 20.0 career sacks, ranking among the top defensive players in the program’s history. His 41.0 tackles for loss is the third-most in school history, and in 2017, he tied the EMU single-season sack record with 11.
Known as the “Condor” for his 81-inch wingspan, Crosby immediately impacted the NFL after being selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He became one of the league’s top defensive linemen, finishing his rookie season with 10 sacks, 47 combined tackles, and four forced fumbles. His dominant play quickly put him on the map, earning him a spot in the conversation for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Through his first six seasons in the NFL, Crosby has totaled 364 tackles (232 solo), 105 tackles for loss, 59.5 sacks, 23 passes defended, nine forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. His consistency has been remarkable, as he has led the Raiders in sacks each season. In 2024, Crosby was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl, becoming the second-most decorated defensive lineman in Raiders history in terms of Pro Bowl selections.
Crosby’s remarkable 2023 season saw him set career highs with 90 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. His performance helped him earn his third Pro Bowl selection, further solidifying his place among the league’s elite defensive players. In 2022, he finished first in tackles for loss (22) and second in total tackles (88) among defensive linemen. His ability to dominate both against the run and the pass has made him a game-wrecker on the field.
