SouthernWorldwide.com – Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby has confirmed his plans to attend the upcoming America 250 UFC fight, scheduled to take place at the White House. The defensive end expressed his excitement about witnessing a historic event and celebrating the country.
Crosby stated, “I’ve never been to the White House. I’m excited, I like history.” He further elaborated on the significance of the event, saying, “It’s incredible that we all have an opportunity to celebrate our country and just be part of a historic event. We live in the greatest country in the world and it should be celebrated.”
The Raiders player views the event as a chance to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities he values as an American. He highlighted the ability to pursue one’s passions daily and the inherent opportunity that defines the nation.
“You have an opportunity every day to chase your passion,” Crosby remarked. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but in this country you have a choice every day to chase what you love and what you aspire to do. People don’t say the American Dream for no reason. It’s the greatest country because it’s opportunity. It’s a land of opportunity.”
When asked about who he is supporting at the fight, Crosby did not hesitate to name his friend, UFC fighter Justin Gaethje. “I think everyone knows how much I love Justin Gaethje,” Crosby said. “Justin Gaethje is one of the greatest fighters to ever do it, and he’s an absolute legend. He’s also a great friend, so I’ll definitely be biased for him. I want to see him go to the White House and do his thing for sure.”
The idea for the UFC fight on the South Lawn originated from a casual suggestion by Donald Trump to Dana White during a live UFC match. White readily accepted, and the organizational process began shortly thereafter.
Crosby shared his positive relationship with UFC President Dana White, stating, “Dana White is like family to me. He always does it big, and he always does it the biggest and best way. He’s always going to put on an incredible show.”
He also commented on his personal interactions with Donald Trump. “I’ve met Trump a couple times, and he’s been incredible to me,” Crosby added. “I know Dana [White] thinks nothing but the world of him and has a lot of respect for him. But you know we’ve met a couple times, and he’s always been great to me. So, going to the White House, and being there, is going to be a lot of fun for sure.”
Beyond his attendance at the UFC event, Crosby expressed his willingness to represent the United States in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, when the sport makes its debut.
“Oh, no doubt,” Crosby responded when asked if he would consider playing. “I think it’d be incredible.”
Although Crosby acknowledged his family’s ties to the Balkans, he affirmed his commitment to representing the USA if given the chance to compete internationally. “My mom’s side, I’ve got a Yugoslavian background, so I’ve got some Serbian and Albanian in me over there,” Crosby explained. “I’m sure they’d give me a call as well, so it’d be an interesting decision.”
Ultimately, the Raiders star emphasized his deep connection to his home country. “Everyone knows my heart’s here,” Crosby stated. “This is the country I’ve been raised in, born and raised, so yeah, it would definitely be special.”
When questioned about potentially recruiting Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, to play quarterback for Team USA, Crosby responded with amusement. “I don’t think he would do that,” Crosby said with a laugh. “I think he’s retired and there’s a lot of great quarterbacks right now. But I wouldn’t be mad at Tom Brady coming back. It’s a great time.”
Crosby also shared his positive impressions of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is transitioning to the NFL after a successful collegiate career.
“He’s a young guy and he’s coming in off an incredible season and an incredible college career,” Crosby said. “But when you get to the NFL, you’ve got to start from square one.”
The veteran defensive end noted Mendoza’s impressive attitude and integration into the locker room. “I think he’s done an incredible job of just being one of the guys, being humble, being a sponge, just learning from everybody and asking questions,” Crosby observed.
However, Crosby made it clear that he would not ease up on the rookie during practice. “There’s no taking it easy,” Crosby said with a laugh. “We play this game one way, and I’m going to go out there and do what I do. It’s going to help him in the long run and making him better. I want to push all my teammates. That’s how teams improve — by pushing each other and making each other better on a daily basis.”
Crosby also advised against premature comparisons for Mendoza, encouraging him to forge his own path. “A lot of times people try to make comparisons,” Crosby said. “People just need to allow Fernando to be Fernando. I think he’s going to be a really special player.”
Discussing the unique situation of having NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner, Crosby acknowledged the significance of Brady’s presence. “Tom has had one of the greatest careers, if not the greatest career, of anybody,” Crosby stated. “He’s an incredible player and won at the highest level.”
While Brady is not involved in the daily operations, Crosby believes his experience is a valuable asset to the organization. “Anybody you get around an organization that has done it at that level, I think is a positive,” Crosby said. “He’s not there all the time, but he is a resource for people in that building. I think his winning mindset is only a plus.”
Crosby recalled playing against Brady only once before his retirement, expressing a desire for more opportunities. “I wish we could have had a couple more swings at it,” Crosby said.
Joking about his partnership with a company, Crosby said, “Obviously, everyone knows I make a living sacking quarterbacks, so the name alone drew me in. The double X was a bonus, too.”
Beyond the name, Crosby revealed his genuine appreciation for the product itself, which has become a part of his daily routine. “I literally wear it every single day,” Crosby said. “I wear it during workouts, I wear it around the house, I literally wear it everywhere I go.”
He did, however, clarify that he wouldn’t wear the product during games as it is not yet NFL certified. “It’s not NFL certified yet,” he said. “But I wear it to the games, for sure.”
