Raiders star Maxx Crosby says he will attend a UFC fight at the White House
NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby told Fox News Digital that he plans to attend a UFC fight at the White House on June 14 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
“I’ve never been to the White House,” Crosby said. “I’m happy, I love history…
“It’s amazing that we all have the opportunity to celebrate our country and be part of such a historic event… we live in the greatest country in the world and it should be celebrated.”
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders walks the sidelines before a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 7, 2025. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)
For Crosby, as the NFL’s most successful star, the celebration represents a chance to see the freedoms and opportunities he values most as an American.
“You have an opportunity every day to chase your passion,” Crosby said. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but in this country you have the choice every day to pursue what you love and what you want to do. People don’t say the American Dream for nothing. It’s the greatest country because it’s an opportunity. It’s a country of opportunity.”
Crosby also revealed who he focused on at the event.
“I think everybody knows how much I love Justin Gaethje,” Crosby said. “Justin Gaethje is one of the greatest fighters that ever made it, and he’s an absolute legend. And he’s a great friend, so I’m going to side with him. I want to see him go to the White House and do his thing for sure.”
The fight, scheduled for the South Lawn, took place after Donald Trump leaned on Dana White during a live UFC match and suggested they “fight at the White House”. White quickly agreed, and things started working days later.
“Dana White is like family to me. He always does it big, and he always does it the biggest and best way. He’s always going to put on an amazing show,” Crosby said.
“I met Trump a few times, and he was amazing to me,” Crosby said later. “I know Dana [White] he thinks nothing but the world of him and respects him greatly. But you know we’ve met a few times, and he’s always been nice to me. So, going to the White House, and being there, is going to be a lot of fun. “
It plays the flag ball for Team USA at the 2028 LA Olympics
Crosby also said he welcomes the opportunity to represent the United States in flag football when the sport makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“Oh, no doubt,” Crosby said when asked if he would like to play. “I think it would be amazing.”
Although Crosby noted that his family has roots in the Balkans, he made it clear where his loyalties lie when given the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
TEAM USA IMPLEMENTS SPORTS GENES SEEKS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE OLYMPIC TEAM BETWEEN NFL PARTICIPATION
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby stands on the field after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., on Dec. 14, 2025. (Photos by Eric Hartline/Imagn)
“On my mother’s side, I’m of Yugoslav descent, so I’ve got some Serbian and Albanian in there,” Crosby said. “I’m sure they’ll call me too, so it could be an interesting decision.”
Still, the Raiders star said his heart remains with the country where he was born and raised.
“Everybody knows my heart is here,” Crosby said. “This is the country I grew up in, I was born and raised in, so, it can be special.”
Crosby was also asked if he would try to hire Raiders minority owner Tom Brady to play quarterback for Team USA if he joins the Olympic squad.
“I don’t think he can do that,” Crosby said with a laugh. “I think he’s retired and there are a lot of good quarterbacks right now. But I’m not going to be mad at Tom Brady coming back. It’s a good time.”
Preparing Fernando Mendoza for the NFL
Crosby also has high praise for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is adjusting to life at the NFL level after a successful college career.
“He’s a young guy and he’s coming off a great season and a great college career,” Crosby said. “But when you get to the NFL, you have to start at square one.”
The veteran defensive tackle said Mendoza impressed him with his willingness to learn and get into the locker room.
“I think he’s done a great job of being one of the guys, being humble, being a sponge, learning from everybody and asking questions,” Crosby said.
WHO IS FERNANDO MENDOZA? THE NFL DRAFT SENSATION NOBODY CAN TAKE CARE OF
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza warms up during rookie minicamp at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nev., on May 2, 2026. (Photos by Candice Ward/Imagn)
But Crosby won’t take it easy on the fresh-faced rookie in practice.
“There’s no taking it easy,” Crosby said with a laugh. “We play this game one way, and I’m going to go out there and do what I do. It will help him in the long run and make him better. I want to push all my teammates. That’s how teams improve – by pushing each other and making each other better every day.”
While many young quarterbacks are quickly compared to established NFL stars, Crosby said Mendoza should be given a chance to establish his own identity.
“A lot of times people try to compare,” Crosby said. “People need to let Fernando be Fernando. I think he will be a special player.”
He plays for Tom Brady
Crosby also talked about the unique opportunity to play for an organization that includes NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner.
“Tom has had one of the greatest careers, if not the greatest career,” Crosby said. “He’s an amazing player and he’s won at a very high level.”
Tom Brady watches before the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025. (Photos by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn)
Although Brady is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the franchise, Crosby said having someone with experience in the organization is a valuable resource.
“Anybody who comes across an organization that’s done it at that level, I think they’re good,” Crosby said. “He’s not always there, but he’s the source of the people in that building. I think the way he overcomes his mind is just a combination.”
Crosby played Brady once before Brady retired.
“I wish we had a few more swings in it,” Crosby said.
Great cooperation
Crosby’s appearance with Fox News Digital came as part of a partnership with SAXX Underwear, a brand that he said immediately caught on for more than one reason.
“Obviously everyone knows I make a living by firing players, so the name alone drew me in,” Crosby joked. “The double IX was a bonus, too.”
But beyond the name, Crosby said he’s been a fan of the brand itself. Crosby said the product has become part of his daily routine.
“I literally wear it every day,” Crosby said. “I wear it during exercise, I wear it around the house, I wear it wherever I go.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
However, while Crosby wears it for practice, he won’t wear it during games.
“It hasn’t been confirmed by the NFL yet,” he said. “But I wear it to games, for sure.”
