‘It’s a ton of respect’ — Patrick Mahomes, Maxx Crosby have reignited the Chiefs-Raiders rivalry in recent years
Two of the best in the NFL will square off on Sunday.
The historic rivalry between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders saw an uptick during the 2022 season when quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive end Maxx Crosby got into a spat during a Week 6 Monday Night Football matchup.
The Raiders got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 17-0 lead. Crosby recorded two early sacks on Mahomes, and was taking subtle shots at him even after Mahomes had gotten rid of the ball. Things eventually boiled over, as Crosby and Mahomes got in each other’s face and exchanged some trash talk. The Chiefs ended up rallying and winning the game 30-29.
Patrick Mahomes and Maxx Crosby have struck up a friendship in recent years
When a rivalry becomes intense and personal, it often times leads to respect. Mahomes and Crosby are among the best players at their positions, and are just trying to be the best they can be and help their teams win at the end of the day. While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised the relationship that Mahomes and Crosby have established.
“He’s a heck of a competitor,” Reid said of Crosby. “He’s 100 miles an hour every play. I’m sure he’s that way in practice. He goes and goes. He and Patrick, I think they’re friends, actually. They compete against each other, and that’s the beauty of the sport. You have an opportunity to do that.”
Crosby is the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense, and can take wreck a game at any given moment. When the Chiefs host Las Vegas on Sunday, they’ll need to be aware of him on every play. Mahomes also spoke to reporters on Monday, saying he knows all bets will be off when they take the field.
“It’s a ton of respect,” Mahomes said. “When I talk to him outside of football we’re friends. You wouldn’t even see what happens on the football field. He’s the type of competitor, like me, it’s whatever it takes to win, and you’re going to leave everything on the football field.
“I have a ton of respect for that. Those are the guys that you want on your team, because they play with that mentality. He’s trying to do that and build that culture there. I know when we step across the line and get on that football field, it’s going to take your best effort to find a way to go up against that guy.”
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