Raiders’ Maxx Crosby says former NFL MVP ‘pissed me off’

Maxx Crosby has a score to settle with Cam Newton, and he apparently does not intend to handle it through direct messages.

During an appearance alongside Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders on “Deflected,” Crosby was asked which NFL figure he has an issue with. The Raiders star did not hesitate.

“I got [a] beef with my guy, Cam Newton,” Crosby said. “Right now, we got to talk. He pissed me off. I’m not going to lie. And I like Cam. That’s why it pissed me off.”

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby walks on the field after a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on Friday, August 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It was not criticism alone that bothered Crosby. He suggested Newton’s public commentary felt inconsistent with the warmth he had shown during their previous encounters.

“Every time I see Cam, he’s always love and whatever. And I seen him say (expletive) some online,” Crosby said. “Then he DMs me a couple [of] weeks later. ‘Hey bro, what’s up?’”

Crosby never answered.

“I can’t even fake be cool with you right now,” Crosby said. “There’s a respect level. I played against him. But we got to talk when I see him.”

Crosby did not specify which remarks crossed that line. Newton, however, has publicly challenged him on at least two notable occasions.

The first came in October 2025, when the Cowboys were reportedly interested in acquiring Crosby. During an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take,” Newton questioned whether Crosby’s loyalty to Las Vegas was preventing him from pursuing his stated goal of winning.

“But understand, even in the offseason, Maxx Crosby has made it abundantly clear that he wants to do what? Win,” Newton said. “So now, he’s not going to win in Vegas.”

Former Auburn Tigers and NFL player Cam Newton joins the sideline as the Auburn Tigers take on the Baylor Bears in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Newton argued Crosby had an opportunity to join a potential playoff contender and questioned why he would choose to remain with the struggling Raiders.

A second possible flashpoint emerged after Crosby’s proposed trade to Baltimore collapsed. The Ravens agreed to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas before backing out following Crosby’s physical. Crosby, who was recovering from meniscus surgery, described himself as “f–king livid” and criticized how the process unfolded.

Newton did not accept Crosby’s framing of the ordeal.

“Every single trade still depends on passing a physical, right?” Newton said. “That team wasn’t obligated to show you to meet the owner, to meet the GM or to even meet the head coach.”

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Houston. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Newton called it a “harsh reality” of professional football and compared Crosby’s experience with that of players fighting merely to make a roster, including his brother C.J. Newton.

“What you just went through, Maxx Crosby, is what the average NFL player goes through, unfortunately,” Newton said.

He also suggested prominent players can become accustomed to receiving “presidential treatment.”

Either episode could explain Crosby’s anger, or it could be another comment entirely. Crosby has not identified the specific source of the disagreement.

Their playing history adds some edge to his remark about respect. Crosby sacked Newton twice in their only NFL meeting, although Newton’s Patriots defeated the Raiders 36-20 in 2020.

Crosby still called Newton “my guy.” For now, however, the next conversation between them promises to be considerably less friendly than the last.

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