Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is known for his incredible play on the field, but it was an off-the-field gesture that had everyone talking about the two-time Pro Bowler Monday morning.
Crosby and Eastern Michigan University, his alma mater, announced that he and his wife Rachel, a former EMU soccer player have donated $1 million to the university’s athletic department, and Eastern Michigan followed up the announcement by saying the playing field inside Rynearson Stadium would be named after Crosby going forward.
“First and foremost, Eastern Michigan University holds a very special place in my heart and I am incredibly grateful for the significant role my EMU experience has played in shaping my life as an athlete and as a man,” Crosby said in the statement. “Without the opportunity to attend EMU, I would not have met my wife, Rachel, who has given me the most beautiful gift imaginable in our daughter, Ella. Without EMU, I wouldn’t have the lifelong friends that now serve as advisors and business partners. Without EMU, I may not have ever had the opportunity to achieve my dream of playing in the National Football League. With an immense amount of humility and gratitude for the continued support of the administration, teachers, coaches, athletes, and students, I am committing to a $1 million gift to Eastern Michigan University Athletics.”
Crosby previously mentioned that Eastern Michigan was the only school to offer him a scholarship coming out of high school. He made the most of his time in Ypsilanti, becoming just the eighth player in school history to be named to the All-MAC First Team in back-to-back years (2017, 2018) and was inducted into the school’s Ring of Honor in 2023.
Eastern Michigan Athletic Director Scott Wetherbee praised Crosby in his statement, saying, “With his remarkable $1 million donation, Maxx is helping us launch Phase Two of the Championship Building Plan that will forever leave an indelible mark on our program,” said Wetherbee. “When he came back this summer for the Champions 4 Life Series, we had great conversations about his and Rachel’s desire to make an impact on our athletic programs. Their dedication to our Athletic Department’s future is nothing short of game-changing. We’re deeply thankful for their commitment and passion for championing excellence in every aspect.”
Social media was overwhelmingly positive about the news.
Incredible gesture by a great player on and off the field!
Well done! https://t.co/Rl7K3Drttl— JT The Brick (@JTTheBrick) October 30, 2023
That’s my ALL-PRO edge rusher. https://t.co/DxVTCKAJ8O
— Jorge (@wethejorge) October 30, 2023
Thankful 🙌🙌 https://t.co/QXDXHgQMI2
— Eagle Nation 🦅 (@EMU_EagleNation) October 30, 2023
HUGE from @CrosbyMaxx! https://t.co/PMi6VI7o8O
— Alex Ryan (@al3xryan) October 30, 2023
