Raiders' Maxx Crosby opens up about relationship with Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes

Despite the existence of trade rumors that continue to hover over the Las Vegas Raiders this summer, star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby will almost certainly remain with the club through at least the start of the upcoming season.

Crosby has played only for the Raiders since they drafted him in 2019, so he is quite familiar with going up against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs and three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes. During the latest edition of the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast, Crosby touched upon his off-the-field relationship with Mahomes. 

Maxx Crosby and Patrick Mahomes looking forward to facing each other again

"I feel like I have those kind of relationships off the field where you’ll text him, and, just, I see Mahomes out there throwing the ball, and he’s coming back from injury. Like, I just shot him a text," Crosby explained, per Perry Miller Carpenter of Heavy.

Of course, Crosby was referencing how Mahomes has spent 2026 recovering from the torn ACL and torn LCL he suffered this past December. By all accounts, Mahomes is on track to play in Kansas City's season-opening "Monday Night Football" home game versus the rival Denver Broncos on Sept. 14. Meanwhile, the Raiders will host the Chiefs in Week 4 of the regular season on Oct. 4. 

"I’ll see you soon," Crosby texted Mahomes. 

"We’re back," Mahomes apparently responded. "Can’t wait to see you."

Maxx Crosby and Patrick Mahomes share mutual respect off the field

During games, there understandably is often no love lost between the Chiefs and Raiders due to the long-standing rivalry involving the clubs. That said, Crosby and Mahomes set such history aside once contests come to an end. 

"It’s the most respect off the field compared to anybody," Crosby added about his relationship with Mahomes. "Pat Mahomes, we go to war. He knows I’m trying to murder him and that (expletive) is trying to make me look stupid every time. But off the field, it’s love every time." 

Casual NFL fans will hope that Crosby and Mahomes will both stay healthy and be at their best for the Week 4 showdown at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium.