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Patrick Mahomes Sends Strong Maxx Crosby Message Ahead of 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 7:20 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders have not won an AFC West title since the 2002 NFL season. In the 21 years since their last division crown, the Kansas City Chiefs have won it 10 times, the Denver Broncos have earned six, and the Chargers have done it five times.

In recent years, especially, the Raiders have struggled to gain traction in the division due to the Chiefs' dominance. Kansas City has won nine straight AFC West titles, seven of which were on the back of quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes has already helped the Chiefs win three Super Bowls, and he has largely beaten up on the Raiders in his tenure. He is 12-2 against the Silver and Black in his seven seasons as a starter.

Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby, however, has gotten the best of Mahomes at several points throughout his six years in the league. On Monday, Mahomes sent a strong message about Crosby on the Up & Adams Show.

"I think he's sacked me the most out of anyone I've ever played against," Mahomes said. "To me, he's the best pass rusher that I've played against. ... He gives you the effort, he has the moves and he has the skill. I think it's hard to have all three of those and do it year in and year out."

These are impactful words from arguably the NFL's best quarterback. Crosby has recorded 6.0 sacks on Mahomes in 12 career games, as well as 14 tackles for loss. Mahomes went on to clarify the relationship between the two players.

"We're gonna compete. We know when we step on that football field, we're going up against each other; it's the Raiders and the Chiefs. It's two of the greatest in the league going after each other," Mahomes said. "There's so much healthy respect. ... That's the guys you want on your team."

Crosby missed five games last season due to injury, but he is expected to be fully healthy for Raiders training camp later this month. He still recorded 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in just 12 games.

Las Vegas and Kansas City will face off for the first time in Week 7, when the Raiders travel to Arrowhead Stadium. A rematch will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in Week 14.

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

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