Maxx Crosby pens emotional statement amid uncertain Raiders future as fans think they have ‘cracked the code’

The end may have already come without anybody realizing.

Maxx Crosby could have played his last game for the Las Vegas Raiders — if one outrageous theory is to be believed.

Getty

The superstar defensive end was shut down by the Raiders with two games remaining of the NFL season, with the team citing injury concerns after suffering a knee injury mid-season.

Some fans argued that it the decision was made due to his comments over not caring about Las Vegas getting the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft – which they ultimately sealed thanks to the New York Giants.

Regardless of what the real reason was, Crosby made his feelings known about the organization’s decision when reports emerged – which were later confirmed by now-fired head coach Pete Carroll – that he had left the facility.

He finished his season having recorded 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits.

Following the conclusion of the Raiders’ 2025 campaign in which they stumbled to a lowly 3-14 record, Crosby underwent successful left knee surgery on Wednesday.

Then on Saturday, the 28-year-old penned an emotional – and ambiguous – message on social media.

“Everything Happens For A Reason. What’s Meant To Be Cannot Be Denied. What’s Already Known Doesn’t Have To Be Explained,” Crosby wrote on X (formerly Twitter), alongside an image of himself and an image of late NBA star Kobe Bryant.

“When It’s All Said & Done… I Will Be A Champion & One Of The Greatest To Ever Do It. They Can Sleep & Doubt All They Want But Cream Always Rises To The Top….

“The Greatest Days Are Ahead. 8 Surgeries In. Obsession. Discomfort. Sacrifice. I’m Willing To Give It All To Achieve My Goals.

“Adversity Will Always Reveal A Man’s Character. Year 8 Incoming.. This S*** Is About To Be Iconic. Don’t Blink. ”

Getty

Getty

Fans theorize that Crosby’s message runs deeper than the words on the page

Whilst it appeared to be a message of motivation for himself as he begins recovery after surgery, some of the more skeptical fans felt there was an underlying message to his statement.

Some even feel that he revealed his next destination, amid rumors that he wants out of the Sin City, less than a year after signing a huge $106.5 million extension.

“Cracked the code, enjoy Philly next year,” one X user claimed, circling some letters used in Crosby’s rallying cry to spell out ‘eagles’ for the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as his choice of using an emoji of an eagle.

“That’s a [Seattle] Seahawk[s] @ the end, son,” a second user commented back.

“I can circle [Dallas] Cowboys out of that too genius ,” a third fan joked.

Whilst fans joked about multiple teams being hinted at in Crosby’s statement, the consensus is that the Raiders star may be signaling that he has played his final game in the Black and Silver.

Getty

“All them capital letters hurt my brain. But congrats legend. You’re an absolute beast! Any team is lucky to have you,” one fan posted.

“Going to go down as one of the greatest Raiders to play the game!” a second user wrote.

With minority owner Tom Brady and the Raiders on the hunt for a head coach who can establish a winning culture of football, Kevin Stefanski, formerly of the Cleveland Browns, has been linked with a stunning move to Las Vegas.

Having helped develop superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett into the NFL’s single-season sack record holder in 2025, there is some optimism that he could be someone who could keep Crosby in Vegas.

However, according to a report from ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler and Ryan McFadden, an anonymous personnel executive from another NFL team believes Crosby’s time with the Raiders is over.

“Teams have been interested in trading for Crosby multiple times throughout his Raiders career, but Crosby has always wanted to stay a Raider,” they wrote.

“But now he’s staring at the reality of his sixth Raiders head coach. A personnel executive for another club said that he thinks that this time Crosby, ‘a pretty principled dude,’ is done in Vegas.”

Only time will tell, but with the Raiders once again in rebuild mode, Crosby may decide that it is in his best interests to move elsewhere.

Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.

NFL's Greatest......

Ranking the top 10......

Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?

Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?

Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and more

Tight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?