Former Eastern Michigan University star and current NFL standout Maxx Crosby has been named Assistant General Manager of the EMU football program, the school announced Sunday, April 14. The announcement was made by Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee and Head Coach Chris Creighton.
Crosby, now the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, will help the EMU program in several key areas. His new role includes evaluating high school and transfer portal talent, managing the team’s NIL and revenue-sharing budgets, and supporting fundraising and alumni engagement. He will also serve as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director, focusing on student-athlete support and outreach.
To honor Crosby’s legacy, the football team will rename the weakside defensive end position from “LEO” to “MAXX” on the official depth chart. In addition, the team’s top edge rusher will wear jersey No. 92 — Crosby’s number during his EMU career.
Crosby made an immediate impact during his time at Eastern Michigan. He recorded 20 career sacks and 41 tackles for loss, which ranks third in school history. In 2017, he tied the EMU single-season record with 11 sacks, establishing himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in program history.
Nicknamed “The Condor” for his 81-inch wingspan, Crosby was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Raiders. He quickly became one of the league’s premier defensive linemen, racking up 10 sacks and four forced fumbles in his rookie season. His performance earned him a spot in the conversation for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Over six seasons, Crosby has recorded 364 total tackles (232 solo), 105 tackles for loss, 59.5 sacks, 23 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He has led the Raiders in sacks every year and is now a four-time Pro Bowler — the second-most in team history for a defensive lineman.
In 2023, Crosby had his best season yet, posting career highs in tackles (90), tackles for loss (23), and sacks (14.5). The year before, he led all defensive linemen in tackles for loss (22) and ranked second in total tackles (88), proving his ability to dominate both the run and the pass.
Crosby’s return to EMU as a leader and mentor marks a full-circle moment in a remarkable career — and adds a powerful new chapter to the legacy he started in Ypsilanti.
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