The announcement from Eastern Michigan University on Monday confirmed that Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby will now serve as the assistant general manager for its football program. This new title makes Crosby the first NFL player still playing professionally to hold such a position.
His responsibilities include helping the team scout both high school athletes and transfer portal players. He will also be involved in managing the name, image, and likeness (NIL) budget and working closely with departments focused on fundraising, alumni connection,s and student-athlete support.
Crosby expressed deep appreciation for the university that helped shape his journey, both as a person and an athlete. “Eastern Michigan University has had the biggest impact on who I am,” he shared in the school’s statement.
“Being chosen as assistant GM here means a lot. Along with my wife Rachel, we’re giving another donation so more young athletes can benefit from everything EMU has to offer, from the program to the students and alumni.”
Giving Back to His Roots
Among players who have passed through Eastern Michigan’s football program, Crosby stands out as one of the best defenders. He played for three seasons and left a strong mark, finishing with 20 career sacks, the most ever at the school. He also collected 41 tackles for loss, which ranks third in school history.
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby built an impressive professional record with the Raiders. So far, he has 59.5 sacks in his six seasons with the team. His performance earned him a contract extension in March, a deal worth $106.5 million over three years.
Apart from joining EMU’s football program in a leadership position, Crosby also introduced a fundraising campaign called the “Maxx Match.” Through this initiative, he will personally match all donations made to Eastern Michigan football, up to a maximum of $100,000, as long as those donations come in before May ends.
The generosity Crosby has shown toward his former school is not new. In 2023, he and Rachel donated $1 million to support the football program.
Leading Through Support and Passion
Athletic director Scott Wetherbee described Crosby’s return as a powerful moment that could bring lasting change to EMU football. “Having Maxx take this leadership position with us has brought new energy to our program,” Wetherbee said in the school’s release.
“He brings passion, vision, and an open heart. The Maxx Match campaign shows that clearly. We believe that with Maxx involved, EMU football is going to grow stronger.”
Even though Crosby is the first active player from the NFL to take on an administrative role at a college team, he is not the only sports figure stepping into such a position.
Just last month, NBA star Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors accepted the assistant general manager role at Davidson College, the school where he made his name.
