Maxx Crosby opened up about the passing of Rondale Moore in an emotional video shared on his official X account. It was clear this was a hard moment for him. The Raiders defensive end spoke slowly, pausing often as he tried to find the right words.
He remembered Moore as someone who had left a lasting impression on him during a college game years ago. His message was raw and personal, and it quickly touched people both inside the NFL and across social media.
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Crosby paid tribute to Rondale Moore, whose sudden passing shocked teammates and former rivals alike. “Rest in peace, Rondale Moore,” Crosby said quietly. He then returned to a college game against the Purdue Boilermakers, recalling the first time he faced Moore on the field.
RIP Rondale Moore. pic.twitter.com/TFBG6IzvjQ
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) February 22, 2026
“I remember playing against Rondale Moore and thinking, ‘That’s the coldest dude I’ve ever been on the field with, up to that point,'” he said, using a term that in sports means someone who performs at the highest level under pressure.
Crosby compared Moore’s college impact to Tyreek Hill, noting Moore earned First Team All-American honors as a freshman. He said he once texted former Raiders general manager Mike Mayock, urging the team to draft Moore. “We need Rondale Moore, this dude is Tyreek Hill,” Crosby recalled writing. His voice then shifted toward a wider plea. “God bro, check on your people. Too much hate in this world. Stay positive.”
Crosby ended with a brief prayer for Moore’s family and encouraged players to look after those closest to them. His words joined many other tributes from around the league. Several teams held moments of silence at practice, and the league office also offered its condolences.
Patriots emerge as potential landing spot amid Maxx Crosby rumors
The New England Patriots have a big problem heading into the 2026 offseason. They need a top pass rusher. The team finished the 2025 season with only 35 sacks, tying them for 22nd in the NFL. This defensive weakness has sparked trade rumors involving Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
This comes after an impressive turnaround season for New England under head coach Mike Vrabel, who won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award. The Patriots made it all the way to Super Bowl LX but lost 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks. Despite their success, their inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks remains the biggest obstacle to a championship.
The rumors were fueled by a report fromThe Athletic’s Dianna Russini, who stated that Crosby has expressed a specific desire to play for Mike Vrabel.
Russini: Maxx Crosby Wants to Play for Vrabel@zoandbertrand #sponsored #kecheslawpartner pic.twitter.com/NdsO4hIusf
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) February 4, 2026
Russini noted that the relationship between Crosby and the Raiders became strained late in the 2025 season after the team sidelined him for the final two games due to a lingering ankle injury, a move Crosby reportedly viewed as a “tanking” effort for the No. 1 overall pick.
Crosby has publicly denied requesting a trade, insisting his focus is on his current team.