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Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby told PK Press Club Digital he plans to attend the UFC fight at the White House on June 14 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
“I’ve never been to the White House,” Crosby said. “I’m excited, I love the story…
“It’s amazing that we all have the opportunity to celebrate our country and just be part of a historic event…we live in the greatest country in the world and that should be celebrated.”
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Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders walks the sidelines before a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 7, 2025. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)
For Crosby, as a successful NFL star, the celebration represents an opportunity to recognize the freedoms and opportunities he values most as an American.
“You have an opportunity every day to pursue your passion,” Crosby said. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but in this country you have a choice every day to pursue what you love and what you aspire to. People don’t talk about the American dream for no reason. This is the greatest country because it offers opportunity. It’s a land of opportunity.”
Crosby also revealed who he was supporting at the event.
“I think everyone knows how much I love Justin Gaethje,” Crosby said. “Justin Gaethje is one of the greatest fighters to ever do this, and he’s an absolute legend. He’s also a great friend, so I’ll definitely be biased in his favor. I want to see him go to the White House and do his thing, that’s for sure.”
The fight, scheduled for the South Lawn, came after Donald Trump casually leaned over to Dana White during a live UFC match and suggested she “fight in the White House.” White immediately agreed and logistics got underway a few days later.
“Dana White is like family to me. He always does it big, and he always does it in the best way possible. He’s always going to put on an incredible show,” Crosby said.
“I’ve met with Trump a few times and he’s been incredible to me,” Crosby later added. “I know Dana [White] only thinks of him and has a lot of respect for him. But you know, we met several times and he was always great to me. So going to the White House and being there will definitely be a lot of fun.”
Play flag football for Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Crosby also said he would welcome the opportunity to represent the United States in flag football when the sport makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“Oh, definitely,” Crosby said when asked if he would consider playing. “I think it would be amazing.”
Although Crosby emphasized that his family has roots in the Balkans, he made it clear where his allegiance would lie if given the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
TEAM USA FLAG FOOTBALL STAR WANTS OPPORTUNITY TO BE ON OLYMPIC TEAM AMID NFL PARTICIPATION
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby stands on the field after a loss against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 14, 2025. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
“On my mother’s side, I’m of Yugoslavian descent, so I have a little bit of Serbian and Albanian in me there,” Crosby said. “I’m sure they would call me too, so it would be an interesting decision.”
Still, the Raiders star said his heart remains with the country where he was born and raised.
“Everyone knows my heart is here,” Crosby said. “It’s the country I grew up in, was born and raised in, so yeah, it would definitely be special.”
Crosby was also asked if he would try to recruit Raiders minority owner Tom Brady to play quarterback for Team USA if he made the Olympic team.
“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 out there right now. But I wouldn’t be mad about Tom Brady coming back. It’s a great time.”
Preparing Fernando Mendoza for the NFL
Crosby also praised quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is adjusting to life at the NFL level after a successful college career.
“He’s a young guy and he’s coming off an incredible season and college career,” Crosby said. “But when you get to the NFL, you have to start from square one.”
The veteran defensive end said Mendoza impressed him with his willingness to learn and integrate into the locker room.
“I think he’s done an incredible job of just being one of the guys, being humble, being a sponge, learning from everyone and asking questions,” Crosby said.
WHO IS FERNANDO MENDOZA? THE FEEL OF THE NFL DRAFT NO ONE COULD HAVE PREDICTED
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza warms up during a rookie minicamp at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada, May 2, 2026. (Candice Ward/Imagn Images)
But Crosby won’t have it easy with the new rookie in practice.
“There’s no way to take 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 make him better. I want to push all of my teammates. That’s how teams get better – by pushing each other and making each other better every day.”
While many young quarterbacks are immediately compared to established NFL stars, Crosby said Mendoza should be given the opportunity to carve out his own identity.
“A lot of times people try to make comparisons,” Crosby said. “People just have to allow Fernando to be Fernando. I think he’s going to be a really special player.”
Playing for Tom Brady
Crosby also spoke about the unique opportunity to play for an organization that includes NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner.
“Tom has had one of, if not the greatest, careers of anyone,” Crosby said. “He’s an incredible player and he’s won at the highest level.”
Tom Brady looks on before the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium on October 5, 2025. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
Although Brady is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the franchise, Crosby said having someone with his experience within the organization is a valuable resource.
“Anyone who comes across an organization that has been successful at this level is, I think, positive,” Crosby said. “He’s not there all the time, but he’s a resource for the people in this building. I think his winning spirit is just a plus.”
Crosby only played against Brady once before Brady retired.
“I wish we could have made a few more attempts,” Crosby said.
A great partnership
Crosby’s appearance with PK Press Club Digital was part of a partnership with SAXX Underwear, a brand he says immediately caught his eye for more than one reason.
“Obviously everyone knows I make my living sacking quarterbacks, so the name alone attracted me,” Crosby joked. “The double X was also a bonus.”
But beyond the name, Crosby said he became a fan of the product itself. Crosby said the product has become part of his daily routine.
“I wear it literally every day,” Crosby said. “I wear it during practice, I wear it at home, I literally wear it everywhere I go.”
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Yet even if Crosby wears it in practice, he won’t wear it during games.
“It’s not NFL certified yet,” he said. “But I wear it to the games, that’s for sure.”
