It's no secret that there's some bad blood between AFC West rivals the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.
In fact, just last season several Raiders players mocked Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with a Kermit the frog puppet with his signature curly hair and dressed in his No. 15 jersey (many have said Mahomes sounds like Kermit over the years).
And while Vegas may be one of, if not Kansas City's top rival, that doesn't mean there's not mutual respect between the star players on both teams.
Speaking with ESPN last week, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby had some high praise for the Chiefs-and Mahomes specifically-while also anointing himself as the top pass-rusher in the NFL, according to Pro Football Talk.
"It's ultimate respect when it comes to [the Chiefs]," Crosby said. "They've earned it. They've won three Super Bowls, they've got the best quarterback in football. But for us, as a pass-rusher, I'm going against the best quarterback. For me, I believe I'm the best pass-rusher in the world, so every time we match up it's a match made in heaven."
During his appearance on "Up & Adams" on Monday, Mahomes returned the favor.
The two-time MVP was asked who the best pass-rusher he ever faced was, and he didn't hesitate to throw Crosby's name out there.
"I think he's sacked me the most out of anyone I've ever played against," Mahomes said. "To me, he's the best pass-rusher that I've played against - and no offense to any other pass-rushers, just putting it out there.
"But he is the best one that I've went up against because he goes out there and he gives you the effort, he has the moves, and he has the skill. I think it's hard to have all three of those and do that year in and year out."
Since his rookie year in 2019, Crosby is tied with Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter for the fifth-most sacks (59.5) and seventh-most sack yardage (425.5) in the NFL.
In his 12 career games against Mahomes head-to-head, Crosby has totaled 59 pressures, 41 hurries, 40 tackles, 12 QB hits, six sacks and one pass defensed, per Pro Football Focus.
The Chiefs are 10-2 in those games, and Mahomes has averaged 297 yards passing per game along with 27 total touchdowns and four interceptions with an average passer rating of 105.5.
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