LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The mission was clear as Maxx Crosby took the podium at Las Vegas Raiders headquarters after becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in the National Football League.
"We all have the same goal, and that's to win," Crosby said. "It's not about what I've done; it's about what I'm going to do, and that's where my focus is now."
Re-signing Crosby, a centerpiece on the team since he was drafted by the Silver and Black in 2019, is among the first moves from John Spytek and Pete Carroll just over a month since they started in the Raiders front office.
Some camaraderie was already apparent between the team's star defensive end and his new head coach and general manager.
"We had conversations right out the gate, and everything's been super positive, super competitive," Crosby said. "That's the type of people I want to be around — people that are winners, people that are competitive and love the game."
WATCH: Hear from Maxx Crosby about his future with the Las Vegas Raiders
Crosby has certainly seen his share of ups and downs in his time with the Raiders, experiencing firsthand a revolving door of head coaches, general managers and teammates. But Wednesday, his commitment to the storied franchise was clear.
"It means a lot to me, being a part of the Silver and Black alone," said Crosby — a sentiment supported by the black "Al Davis: Just Win Baby" T-shirt he wore for the occasion. "You look at all the legends that created what this brand is, and that's winning."
The announcement of Crosby's contract extension also comes amid ongoing speculation about the team's off-season agenda — especially what they're going to do at quarterback.
But Wednesday was Crosby's day. Asked to speak about why signing Crosby was important for him right now, Spytek talked about "setting the tone for this new era of Raiders football."
"We want to grow this to a place that people want to be," he said. "It hasn't been sunshine and roses around here forever, but when he (Crosby) signs up for it, that speaks volumes. We want people to want to be here. We want people, once they get here, to want to stay here."
If Crosby's mindset is any indicator of the tone Carroll and Spytek are looking to set on the Silver and Black, it will be about pushing players to be the best at what they do and not spending a lot of time in the rearview mirror — and, of course, winning.
"It's one thing to be the face of a franchise, but I want to be a winner, and that's truly all that matters to me," Crosby said.
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