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Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby told Pakinomist Digital that he plans to attend the UFC fight at the White House on June 14 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
“I’ve never been to the White House,” Crosby said. “I’m excited, I like history…
“It’s amazing that we all have an opportunity to celebrate our country and just be a 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 sideline before a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 7, 2025. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)
For Crosby, as a highly successful NFL star, the celebration represents an opportunity to acknowledge the freedoms and opportunities he most values as an American.
“You have an opportunity every day to chase your passion,” Crosby said. “Everybody comes from different backgrounds, but in this country you have a choice every day to pursue what you love and what you aspire to do. People don’t say the American Dream for nothing. It’s the greatest country because it’s opportunity. It’s a country of opportunity.”
Crosby also revealed who he’s rooting for at the event.
“I think everybody knows how much I love Justin Gaethje,” Crosby said. “Justin Gaethje is one of the greatest fighters to ever do it and he’s an absolute legend. He’s also a good friend, so I’ll definitely be biased on his behalf. I’d like to see him go to the White House and do his thing for sure.”
The fight, scheduled for the South Lawn, came about after Donald Trump casually leaned over to Dana White during a live UFC fight and suggested they “do a fight at the White House.” White immediately agreed, and the logistics were set in motion days later.
“Dana White is like family to me. He always does it big and he always does it in the biggest and best way. He’s always going to put on an incredible show,” Crosby said.
“I’ve met Trump a few times and he’s been incredible to me,” Crosby later added. “I know Dana [White] thinks nothing but the world of him and has great respect for him. But you know, we’ve met a few times and he’s always been great to me. So going to the White House and being there is definitely going to be a lot of fun.”
Playing flag football for Team USA at the LA 2028 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, no question,” Crosby said when asked if he would consider playing. “I think that would be incredible.”
While Crosby noted 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 STARS WANT OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE OLYMPIC TEAM AMID NFL PARTICIPATION
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby stands on the field after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., on Dec. 14, 2025. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
“My mother’s side, I have a Yugoslav background, so I have some Serbian and Albanian in me over 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 in the country where he was born and raised.
“Everybody knows my heart is here,” Crosby said. “This is the country I grew up in, 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 squad.
“I don’t think he would,” Crosby said with a laugh. “I think he’s retired and there are a lot of great quarterbacks right now. But I wouldn’t be mad about Tom Brady coming back. It’s a great time.”
Get Fernando Mendoza ready for the NFL
Crosby also had high praise for 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 an incredible college career,” Crosby said. “But when you get to the NFL, you have to start over.”
The veteran defensive end said Mendoza has impressed him with his willingness to learn and fit in in the locker room.
“I think he’s done an incredible job of just being one of the guys, being humble, being a sponge, just learning from everybody and asking questions,” Crosby said.
WHO IS FERNANDO MENDOZA? NFL DRAFT SENSATION NO ONE COULD HAVE FORECASTED
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza warms up during a rookie minicamp at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nev., on May 2, 2026. (Candice Ward/Imagn Images)
But Crosby will not take it easy with the fresh rookie in practice.
“There’s no taking 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 my teammates. That’s how teams improve — by pushing each other and making each other better on a daily basis.”
While many young quarterbacks are immediately compared to established NFL stars, Crosby said Mendoza should have 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 talked about the unique opportunity to play for an organization that includes NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner.
“Tom has had one of the greatest careers, if not the greatest career, of anyone,” Crosby said. “He is an incredible player and 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)
While Brady is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the franchise, Crosby said having someone with his experience around the organization is a valuable resource.
“Anytime you come around an organization that has done it at that level, I think is a positive,” Crosby said. “He’s not there all the time, but he’s a resource for people in that building. I think his winning mindset is just a plus.”
Crosby only played Brady once before Brady retired.
“I wish we could have had a couple more swings,” Crosby said.
A great partnership
Crosby’s appearance with Pakinomist Digital came as part of a partnership with SAXX Underwear, a brand he said immediately caught his attention for more than one reason.
“Obviously, everybody knows I make a living sacking quarterbacks, so the name alone drew me in,” Crosby joked. “The double X was a bonus too.”
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 literally wear it every single day,” Crosby said. “I wear it during exercise, I wear it around the house, I wear it literally everywhere I go.”
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Still, while Crosby wears it in practice, he won’t be wearing it during games.
“It’s not NFL certified yet,” he said. “But I’ll definitely wear it to the games.”
