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Patrick Mahomes confirms feelings about Maxx Crosby in statement

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 10:37 AM ET

Familiarity breeds contempt, but perhaps not in the case of Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The two faces of their respective franchises have battled numerous times over the years, as the Raiders have tried to bring an end to the Chiefs’ divisional supremacy in the AFC West. In 12 games against Kansas City, Crosby has gotten six sacks against the Chiefs. Despite Kansas City getting the better of the Raiders more often than not, Crosby has always been a thorn in their side.

While their rivalry on the field has gotten plenty of attention, Mahomes has given Crosby high praise for his efforts.

Mahomes has called Crosby the best pass rusher he has ever faced.

On the Up and Adams Show, Mahomes made it clear how much respect he has for Crosby.

“To me, he’s the best pass rusher I’ve played against”

Patrick Mahomes with the highest praise for Maxx Crosby @heykayadams | @PatrickMahomes @CrosbyMaxx pic.twitter.com/Ksw8hFKL9A

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 7, 2025

“To me, (Crosby is) the best pass rusher that I’ve played against,” Mahomes said. “No offense to any other pass-rusher, just putting it out there.

“But he is the best one I’ve been up against because he goes out there and he gives you the effort, he has the moves and he has the skill. And I think it’s hard to have all three of those and do that year in and year out.”

With eight seasons under his belt and three Super Bowl victories, Mahomes has faced off against some of the top pass rushers the NFL has had to offer. Perhaps it is due to familiarity, but Crosby being at the top of Mahomes’s list is a heavy accomplishment.

Still, Crosby will likely not be satisfied until his personal victories over Mahomes translates to his team finally getting one over on their rivals.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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