In a recent appearance on Up & Adams, Mahomes shared that Crosby stands out among all defenders he’s lined up against in the NFL.
“I think he’s sacked me the most out of anyone I’ve ever played against,” Mahomes admitted. “To me, he’s the best pass rusher that I’ve played against. No offense to any other pass rusher.
“He goes out there, 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 that year in and year out.”
The Chiefs-Raiders rivalry is one of the NFL’s most iconic, and the frequent head-to-head battles between Mahomes and Crosby have added a new layer of intensity to it.
What makes this matchup especially compelling is the deep respect each player has for the other, even while remaining fierce competitors on the field.
“There’s so much healthy respect,” Mahomes said. “But when we get on that football field, it’s going to be trash talk, he’s going to be trying to get to me, I’ll be trying to make big plays happen. … Those are the guys you want on your team.”
Crosby, a fourth-round pick in 2019, has steadily evolved into one of the most feared edge rushers in the NFL. His relentless motor, versatility, and technical precision have made him the cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense. He finished the 2023 season with 14.5 sacks and has made the Pro Bowl three times.
Mahomes, meanwhile, continues to set the bar for quarterback excellence. With three Super Bowl rings and two NFL MVPs already to his name, he’s redefining the modern quarterback era.
His praise for Crosby is notable not just for its sincerity, but because it’s rare for him to single out a defensive player in such glowing terms.
Crosby, for his part, has acknowledged the challenge of facing Mahomes. In past interviews, he’s said going up against the Chiefs’ quarterback is a “match made in heaven” for a competitor like him.
Known for his aggressive, all-out playing style, Crosby once joked that he’s “trying to literally kill him on every play,” a comment that underscores the high-octane nature of their battles – even if said with a smile.
The Raiders and Chiefs are scheduled to face each other twice in the 2025 regular season – matchups that now carry even more intrigue thanks to this personal rivalry.
