NFL: Las Vegas Raiders OTA
May 28, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The NFL is a league of brotherhood and competitors. Even in team practices, those bonds are tested because of the violent nature of the game. Sometimes, teammates also want to get under each other’s skin and test one another.
The Las Vegas Raiders had a notable scuffle between two of their top stars. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and defender Maxx Crosby got into a heated exchange that had to be separated during practice last week.
The incident appeared to stem from Crosby hitting Cousins on plays when quarterbacks are notably off-limits. Crosby, though, was likely testing Cousins. These types of incidents aren’t uncommon, but it was surprising to see Crosby get under Cousins’ skin.
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Cousins and Crosby have likely already put the incident behind them. Crosby even took to social media to troll media outlets reporting on their alleged beef. He posted a mock UFC 330 poster featuring himself and Cousins as the main event.
ITS TIME TO SETTLE OUR BEEF ONCE AND FOR ALL!! ITS FIGHT NIGHT!! 😭😭😭😭😭 @KirkCousins8 @ufc @danawhite pic.twitter.com/jz7SE8Fywj
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) August 16, 2026
Water under the bridge for Cousins and Crosby
Heated exchanges like this can happen during the team-building process, particularly when two highly competitive players are pushing each other during practice. Crosby plays with a relentless motor and brings that intensity to nearly every snap. As a veteran quarterback, Cousins also understands the competitive nature of practices and the importance of standing his ground.
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Rather than signaling a serious issue between the two players, the incident could ultimately strengthen their relationship. Teammates can challenge one another, get heated, and still move forward once practice ends.
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders OTA
Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) hugs quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Crosby’s social media post is perhaps the clearest indication that there isn’t much lingering tension between the two Raiders stars. Turning the incident into a joke suggests Crosby views the confrontation as part of football rather than a genuine feud.
For the Raiders, that’s obvously the best outcome. Practice should be competitive. Players should be willing to challenge each other. As long as Cousins and Crosby can leave the intensity on the practice field, this should be nothing more than a memorable moment from training camp.