Las Vegas Raiders' defensive powerhouse, Maxx Crosby, finds himself at the centre of controversy after being ruled out of the crucial Week 17 clash against the New York Giants. The 28-year-old star defensive end is sidelined due to a lingering knee injury, a decision that has reportedly left the player deeply unhappy and questioning his future with the franchise.
A Controversial Shutdown and a Player's Protest
According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, the Raiders' management informed Crosby of their intention to shut him down for the final two games of the season. Crosby, who has played through injuries for a significant part of the year, vehemently disagreed with the call. The disagreement was so intense that Crosby reportedly left the team facility, as reported by @nflonfox. This dramatic exit has led to serious speculation about the defensive end's long-term future in Vegas, casting a shadow over his tenure with the team.
Rachel Washburn Crosby: The Rock Behind the Star
In this turbulent time, Crosby's steady support system is his wife, Rachel Washburn Crosby. A former collegiate soccer star herself, Rachel understands the fierce competitive spirit of an athlete. The couple's journey began at Eastern Michigan University in 2016, where Maxx was building his football career and Rachel was shining on the soccer field for the Eastern Michigan Eagles. They started dating in college, navigated his NFL draft in 2019 together, and finally tied the knot in a lavish wedding in Boulder City, Nevada, in March 2023. They are parents to a three-year-old daughter, Ella Rose, whom Crosby adoringly calls his "world".
Rachel, whose full name is Rachel Rose Washburn, was a decorated athlete long before becoming an NFL WAG. At Hartland High School, she led her soccer team to a district championship as captain and was named Defensive Player of the Year for all four years. Her excellence continued at Eastern Michigan University, where she majored in Sports Management and earned a spot on the Loyola Invitational All-Tournament Team in 2015, graduating in 2017.
Steadfast Support Through Addiction and Recovery
Rachel's role in Crosby's life extends far beyond being a supportive partner. She was his anchor during one of his toughest battles. About five years ago, as his NFL career was taking off, Crosby struggled with alcohol addiction. Rachel stood by him through those dark days, helping him achieve sobriety. In a heartfelt confession to PEOPLE in February 2025, Crosby called Rachel his "rock," crediting her for his survival and transformation.
"I wouldn't be here without her," Crosby stated, opening up about the reality of addiction. He emphasized his belief in change, stating that going through hell together only made their bond stronger. In March 2025, Crosby proudly celebrated five years of sobriety and publicly thanked his "partner in crime," Rachel, for her unwavering support in his victory over addiction.
The current standoff with the Raiders' management is another challenge for the couple. With Crosby's competitive fire burning bright and his history of playing through pain, being forced to the sidelines is a bitter pill to swallow. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on whether this incident becomes a breaking point or just another hurdle that the Crosby duo, strengthened by past trials, overcomes together.
