Maxx Crosby Returns to Eastern Michigan as Assistant GM, Pioneering New Role While Still in the NFL

Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Becomes First Active NFL Player to Hold College Football Administrative Position

Maxx Crosby’s journey from a lightly recruited high school athlete to an NFL star has come full circle. The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end, a four-time Pro Bowler, has been named Assistant General Manager for Eastern Michigan University’s football program, his alma mater. This unprecedented move makes Crosby the first active NFL player to assume a college football administrative role.​

“There is no place more important to my personal and athletic development than Eastern Michigan University,” Crosby said in a statement. “It truly is an honor for me to not only be named the Assistant GM of EMU, but together with my wife Rachel, make another donation aimed at creating opportunities for other athletes and alumni.”

Maxx Crosby is being named Assistant General Manager for Football at Eastern Michigan University, per @RapSheet

Crosby becomes the first active NFL player to hold the position. He will help with high school and portal prospects, NIL budget, and Special Assistant to the AD pic.twitter.com/Dc3F7xs8Oq

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 14, 2025

​

Bridging the Gap Between Professional and Collegiate Athletics

In his new role, Crosby will assist in evaluating high school and transfer portal prospects, manage the team’s NIL and revenue share budget, and serve as a special assistant to the athletic director on fundraising, alumni relations, and student-athlete support. This multifaceted position underscores the evolving landscape of college athletics, where professional experience and insight are increasingly valued.​

“Maxx Crosby’s return … said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. “His passion, vision, and … With him on board, we’re … Athletics.”

The “Maxx Match” and a Legacy Cemented

As part of his continued commitment, Crosby launched the “Maxx Match,” a fundraising challenge where he will personally match all donations to EMU Football, up to $100,000, made before the end of May. This initiative follows the $1 million donation he and his wife Rachel made to the program in 2023, which led to the naming of the field at Rynearson Stadium as “Crosby Field.”​

Further solidifying his legacy, EMU announced that the weakside defensive end position on the depth chart will be renamed from “LEO” to “MAXX,” and the team’s top pass rusher will don Crosby’s iconic No. 92 jersey.​

“It’s always special when former players return to be part of our staff, and this is truly a full-circle moment,” said Head Football Coach Chris Creighton. “There’s something powerful about staying in one place and building something meaningful over time — Maxx is a shining example. He has already positively impacted our program, and now we’re taking it to another level.”​

A Trailblazer On and Off the Field

Crosby’s appointment follows a trend of professional athletes taking on administrative roles at their alma maters, with NBA stars Stephen Curry and Trae Young recently assuming similar positions in college basketball. However, Crosby stands alone in the NFL, pioneering a path that bridges professional success with collegiate development.

Professional athletes recently named assistant GMs at their alma mater include:

🏀Steph Curry, Asst. GM, Davidson College
🏀Trae Young, Asst. GM, University of Oklahoma
🏀Terance Mann, Asst. GM, Florida St.

Maxx Crosby now becomes the first active NFL player to be named… https://t.co/qtcDFJqpO2

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 14, 2025

​

Known for his relentless work ethic and leadership, Crosby has amassed 366 tackles and 59 … sacks in 95 games since being drafted by the Raiders in 2019. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the gridiron, as evidenced by his dedication to EMU and its student-athletes.​

“I want the best in America to come and follow my footsteps at EMU and make your own mark!” Crosby shared on social media. “I will personally mentor and develop you into the best player you can!”​

As Crosby continues to excel in the NFL, his role at Eastern Michigan exemplifies a profound dedication to giving back and shaping the future of the program that gave him his start.