Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Reportedly Told Tom Brady He Won't Play for Team Again

Crosby denies making such a statement, saying he's focused on his own truth rather than addressing 'noise'.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby reportedly told team co-owner Tom Brady that he will never play for the Raiders again, according to an unnamed NFL general manager. However, Crosby has denied making such a statement, saying he's focused on his own truth rather than addressing the 'noise' surrounding the situation.

Why it matters

Crosby is a key player for the Raiders, having recorded 439 career tackles, 69.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries over seven seasons. If he were to be traded, it would be a major loss for the team, which is slated to pick first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The details

The report of Crosby's alleged statement to Brady came from an unnamed NFL general manager, who said Crosby told the Raiders co-owner that he'll 'never play for the Raiders again' and would 'retire before he ever plays for them again.' However, Crosby has denied making such a statement, saying he's been advised to avoid addressing 'noise' and that he's focused on his own truth.

  • Crosby missed the last two games of the 2025 season with a knee injury.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders, Crosby has recorded 439 career tackles, 69.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries over seven seasons with the team.

Tom Brady

The legendary quarterback, who has a share of ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders.

Myles Garrett

A star pass rusher who reportedly said he would never play for the Cleveland Browns, but ended up remaining with the team.

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What they’re saying

“He told Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again. That's a fact. He told them he'll retire before he ever plays for them again. But I'm not sure they're actually going to trade him. Myles Garrett said the same thing last year, and we know how that ended up.”

— Unnamed NFL General Manager (on3.com)

“Nowadays, especially this past year, year and a half, I'm not talking about stuff like that because that's not my job and I've been advised, 'Hey, Maxx, i think it would be best —,' some of the best mentors of my life (have said), 'Maxx, I know you care a lot about it, you're obsessed with it, you want to win no matter what, but you can't control everything.' And I've learned that. Now that I'm quiet, I've got random people making big statements for me and they're like, 'Oh, Maxx must have told them this.' For me, I just sit back and laugh because I know my truth and when I go to bed at night, I have a smile on my face because I don't have to explain nothing to nobody.”

— Maxx Crosby, Raiders Star (The Herd with Colin Cowherd)

What’s next

The Raiders must decide whether to trade Crosby, who would command a massive haul if they did, or try to repair the relationship with the star pass rusher.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complex dynamics between players, teams, and the media, as well as the challenges of managing star players who are frustrated with their organizations. Crosby's focus on his own 'truth' and avoiding the 'noise' suggests he is trying to take a measured approach, even as his future with the Raiders remains uncertain.