HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The second half of last season took on a familiar routine for Las Vegas Raiders pass-rush maniac Maxx Crosby.
Sit out the week of practice and be ready on Sunday.
Bad knee and all, Crosby was ready and played in all 17 games. But he also knew he needed to get healthy after the season, and Crosby said Monday as the Raiders began their offseason program that he's done exactly that.
“Rehab has been incredible,” Crosby said. “I just did my conditioning test last week and smashed it, and I’m feeling better than I ever have. So it’s been an incredible offseason so far.”
A healthy Crosby is bad news for the rest of the NFL.
Even at far less than full health last season, he still finished with career highs of 14 1/2 sacks and 90 tackles. He was sixth in the league in sacks.
“I look at myself like a warrior,” Crosby said. “You’re going to have to kill me to take me off the field, and I tell my coaches that. It sounds crazy, but it’s the truth. I don’t look at this like a game. This is my life. I put everything into it. I work literally all year round.”
His work ethic is revered around Raiders headquarters, and coach Antonio Pierce has noted more than once that Crosby is on a different level when it comes to his commitment to getting better.
Crosby remains in Las Vegas during the offseason to work out at the team facilities, arriving at 6 a.m. each day and leaving at 2 p.m. Pierce asked Crosby to take the lead in asking more of his teammates to also remain in town, and about 30 did so.
“AP challenged me early,” Crosby said. “It’s not just about me. There are a lot of really good players, but the great ones bring others up. I took that personal. It helps when you’ve got (veterans) coming in because it gives the young guys no other option but to be here.
“I feel like this team has all the potential. We have more than enough talent to go out there and achieve great things, but all that is (expletive) unless you go out there and do it yourself. So we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Crosby, a big fan of combat sports, boxed three or four times a week this offseason as part of his training regimen and even sparred with MMA bantamweight Dominick Cruz about a week ago.
He also attended Saturday night's UFC 300 in Las Vegas and saw a bit of himself in Max Holloway. Despite being on his way to winning on the judges' cards, Holloway challenged Justin Gaethje to go all out in the final 10 seconds. After a flurry of punches by both fighters, Holloway knocked out Gaethje with 1 second left in the five-round bout.
“That was one of the coldest things I’ve ever seen with my two eyes,” Crosby said. “Being right there, seeing it in person, I literally was just saying, ‘Oh my God,’ for 10 minutes straight. I could not believe that happened. ... That’s what I love about fighting so much, and Holloway is just a prime example of ‘I don’t care, I’m not here to just win, I’m here to put (a) stamp on this and be the baddest dude in the game.’ And he proved that times 10 on Saturday night."
Crosby knows the Raiders, who went 8-9 last season, have plenty to prove as well, and while he said he likes the pieces that are on this roster, none of it matters if the work doesn't get done.
It was that work where Crosby wanted to place his focus, not what happened in the Raiders' stadium in February. One of Las Vegas' fiercest rivals, Kansas City, won the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling planted a Chiefs flag on the field.
“If you’re worried about and thinking about the other guys, you’re wasting time and energy,” Crosby said. “At the end of the day, he wouldn’t plant a flag on a Raider logo, I guarantee you that.”
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
FILE - Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Dec. 31, 2023, in Indianapolis. Crosby played through the pain of a knee injury much of the 2023 season, usually not practicing so he could play on game days. He said Monday, April 15, 2024, that he is now healthy. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger, File)
Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.
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TOP STORIES
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ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-CAMPUS-PROTESTS — Police have arrested nearly 2,200 people during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks. They have sometimes used riot gear, tactical vehicles and flash-bang devices to clear tent encampments and occupied buildings. At Columbia University, the NYPD said one officer accidentally discharged his gun inside an administration building while clearing out protesters camped inside and no one was injured. A tally by The Associated Press recorded at least 56 incidents of arrests at 43 different U.S. colleges or universities since April 18 stemming from recent campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war. By Julie Watson, Christopher L. Keller, Carolyn Thompson and Stefanie Dazio. SENT: 880 words, photos, videos, audio.
CAMPUS-PROTESTS-THEN-AND-NOW — Although it might be tempting to compare the U.S. campus protests to the anti-Vietnam War movement of a half century ago, experts say that would be an overreaction at this point. So far, there hasn’t been violence like bombings and the Kent State National Guard massacre on protestors. Still, some still feel the situation is just one hair-trigger moment away from tragedy. By Allen G. Breed and Jocelyn Gecker. SENT: 1,330 words, photos.
ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS — Hamas said it’s sending a delegation to Egypt as soon as possible to continue talks in the latest sign of progress in the fragile cease-fire process. The group’s supreme leader Ismail Haniyeh said Thursday he had spoken to Egypt’s intelligence chief and Hamas negotiators would travel to Cairo “to complete the ongoing discussions with the aim of working forward for an agreement.” But chances for the deal are entangled with the question of whether Israel can accept an end to the war without reaching its stated goal of destroying Hamas. By Bassem Mroue, Lee Keath and Sam Mednick. SENT: 990 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-CEASEFIRE-GLANCE — A leaked truce proposal hints at concessions by both sides following months of stalemated talks. SENT: 890 words, photos, video.
TRUMP-HUSH MONEY — The key prosecution witness has yet to take the stand in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. But jurors are already hearing from Michael Cohen as prosecutors work to directly tie Trump to payments to silence women with damaging claims about him before the 2016 election. By Michael R. Sisak, Philip Marcelo, Jake Offenhartz and Alanna Durkin Richer. SENT: 560 words, photos. UPCOMING: 980 words after trial resumes at 9:30 a.m. WITH: ELECTION 2024-TRUMP-NEW YORK — Donald Trump is back in New York, this time as a criminal defendant. The felony trial means he is often spending four days a week in the nation’s media capital. SENT: 1,160 words, photos.
RUSSIA-TARGETS-ABROAD — Since President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, attacks and harassment of Russians abroad have been blamed on Moscow’s intelligence operatives across Europe and elsewhere. Despite attempts by Western governments to dismantle Russian spy networks, experts say the Kremlin apparently is still able to pursue those it deems traitors in an attempt to silence dissent. Moscow denies targeting its critics but they increasingly fear the long-arm of Putin’s security services, including in countries once thought safe. There is a long history of such incidents. By Emma Burrows. SENT: 1,280 words, photos. WITH: RUSSIA-TARGETS-ABROAD-GLANCE. SENT: 1,040 words, photos.
ABORTION ARIZONA — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ signing of the repeal of a Civil War-era ban on nearly all abortions was a stirring occasion for the women working to ensure the 19th century law remains in the past. Current and former state lawmakers and reproductive rights advocates crowded into the 9th floor rotunda outside Hobbs’ office at the Capitol on Thursday afternoon, hugging and taking selfies to capture the moment. Hobbs says the move is just the beginning of a fight to protect reproductive health care in Arizona. A repeal won’t take effect until 90 days after the current legislative session ends. By Anita Snow and Morgan Lee. SENT: 1,020 words, photos, video, audio.
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MORE CAMPUS PROTEST STORIES
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US-CAMPUS PROTESTS-COMMENCEMENTS — Some U.S. universities with weekend graduation ceremonies are taking steps to keep a lid on possible disruptions. The school year is closing with campus tension over the Israel-Hamas war and pro-Palestinian protests. The University of Michigan says staff and security officers are ready to respond to any disruptions. Indiana University is designating protest zones outside graduation venues. Northeastern University in Boston is holding its commencement at Fenway Park a week after nearly 100 protesters were arrested. SENT: 770 words, photos.
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ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
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ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-COLOMBIA EXPLAINER — Colombia became the latest Latin American country to announce it will break diplomatic relations with Israel effective Thursday over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. But the repercussions for the South American nation could be broader than for other countries due to longstanding bilateral agreements over security matters. SENT: 690 words, photos.
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RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-A-CHURCH-RESURRECTED — An extraordinary new church is bringing spiritual comfort to war-weary residents of the Ukrainian village of Lypivka this Orthodox Easter season. Two years ago residents sheltered in a basement chapel at the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin while Russian troops occupied the village. The church is being repaired and rebuilt with the help of a famous Ukrainian artist. SENT: 1,000 words, photos. WITH: RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — A senior Ukrainian military official says the situation on the front line in eastern Ukraine is worsening but local defenders are so far holding firm. SENT: 820 words, photos, video, audio.
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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES
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IRAN-UNRAVELING-CARPET-SALES — The historic Kashan bazaar in central Iran once sat on a major caravan route, its silk carpets known the world over. But for the weavers trying to sell their rugs under its ancient arches, their world has only unraveled since the collapse of Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers and wider tensions with the West. Two decades ago, rug exports were worth more than $2 billion a year. They have plummeted to less than $50 million in the 12 months that ended in March. With fewer tourists and more difficulties in making international transactions, Iranian carpet weavers find their rugs unsold as some work for as little as $4 a day. By Mehdi Fattahi. SENT: 780 words, photos.
CHINA’S RAP REVOLUTION — In 2018, the censors who oversee Chinese media issued a directive to the nation’s entertainment industry. They barred artists with tattoos and those who represent hip-hop or any other subculture. For months, no rappers appeared on the dozens of variety shows and singing competitions on Chinese TV. But Chinese hip-hop has managed to thrive by carving out a space for itself while staying clear of the government’s red lines. And it’s balancing genuine creative expression with something palatable in a country with powerful censors. Today, musicians say they’re looking forward to an arriving golden age. By Huizhong Wu. SENT: 1,720 words, photos. Abridged version available.
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MORE NEWS
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SEVERE-WEATHER — Torrential rain is causing flooding in the Houston area. Officials on Thursday ordered some residents along a river to leave and are telling others they may wind up stranded. SENT: 450 words, photos, video.
WHITE HOUSE-TEACHERS-STATE DINNER — Jill Biden honored her fellow educators Thursday night by hosting the 2024 national and state teachers of the year at a swanky White House dinner to recognize their commitment to students and excellence in the classroom. SENT: 720 words, photos.
OKLAHOMA-TORNADOES-NEWSPAPER — A weekly newspaper in a rural Oklahoma community was at the center of a path of destruction. But the damage isn’t stopping the Sulphur Times-Democrat from getting out its next issue as Oklahoma recovers from severe weather that killed four people across the state on April 28. SENT: 780 words, photos.
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WASHINGTON/ POLITICS
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ELECTION 2024-MICHIGAN-SENATE — The race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is expected to be highly competitive with control of the upper chamber on the line. Rep. Elissa Slotkin has coalesced support on the Democratic side, while Republicans have rallied behind former Rep. Mike Rogers. By Joey Cappelletti. SENT: 1,390 words, photos.
ELECTION 2024-DECISION NOTES-INDIANA — The race for the White House tops the ballot Tuesday in Indiana’s presidential and state primaries, but voters will also have to settle more competitive contests for governor, Congress and the state legislature. By Robert Yoon. UPCOMING: 1,230 words, photo by 7 a.m.
Find the AP’s latest Election 2024 coverage plans, including live video and text plans, our explanatory journalism and highlights from previous cycles and candidate schedules in The Daily Rundown, which publishes around 8 a.m. Monday through Friday.
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NATIONAL
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MAINE-SHOOTING-REOPENING — The reopening of a Maine bowling alley is planned for Friday, six months after a gunman killed eight people at the bowling alley before driving to a nearby bar and pool hall and killing 10 more. Patrons will be welcomed with inspiring pictures at the end of each lane, bright paint on the walls and new floors. SENT: 710 words, photos.
OFFICER-KILLED-TRIAL-THINGS-TO-KNOW — The trial in Massachusetts of a woman charged in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend has started with a focus on the crime scene. Karen Read has been charged with second-degree murder and other charges in the 2022 death of Officer John O’Keefe. SENT: 790 words, photos, video.
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INTERNATIONAL
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UNITED-STATES-AUSTRALIA-JAPAN-PHILIPPINES — Defense chiefs from Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States have vowed to deepen their cooperation as they gather in Hawaii for their second-ever joint meeting amid concerns about China’s operations in the South China Sea. SENT: 480 words, photos.
BRITAIN-ELECTION — Britain’s governing Conservative Party is suffering heavy losses as local election results pour in Friday, piling pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of a U.K. general election in which the main opposition Labour Party appears increasingly likely to return to power after 14 years. SENT: 730 words, photos.
CHINA-EUROPE-XI-VISITS — Ukraine, trade and investment are expected to dominate Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s first trip to Europe in five years, which starts in France on Monday. SENT: 970 words, photos.
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HEALTH & SCIENCE
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CHINA-SPACE — China is preparing to launch a lunar probe that would land on the far side of the moon and return with samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side. SENT: 580 words, photo.
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BUSINESS
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ECONOMY-JOBS-REPORT — The American economy likely delivered another solid hiring gain in April, showing continuing durability in the face of the highest interest rates in two decades. The Labor Department is expected to report that employers added a healthy 233,000 jobs last month, down from a sizzling 303,000 in March but still a decidedly healthy total. SENT: 700 words, photos.
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ENTERTAINMENT
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FILM-THE-FALL-GUY — By its nature, stunt performance is nearly anonymous work. But David Leitch, a longtime stuntman before he became a director, and “The Fall Guy” hope to redefine the role of stunt work in Hollywood. The film opens in theaters on Friday. SENT: 1,450 words, photos, audio.
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SPORTS
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BKN--BUCKS-PACERS — Obi Toppin scored 21 points, T.J. McConnell had 20 points and nine assists and the Indiana Pacers won a playoff series for the first time in a decade, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 120-98 in Game 6 on Thursday night. SENT: 700 words, photos.
BKN--KNICKS-76ERS — Josh Hart made a go-ahead 3-pointer from the top of the arc with 24.4 seconds left, and the New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-115 in Game 6 to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. SENT: 910 words, photos.
HKN--MAPLE LEAFS-BRUINS — William Nylander scored twice, Joseph Woll made 22 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday night to force a seventh game in the first-round Eastern Conference series. SENT: 520 words, photos.
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HOW TO REACH US
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New York Knicks' Josh Hart reacts during the second half of Game 6 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Toronto Maple Leafs' William Nylander (88) celebrates after his goal against the Boston Bruins during third-period action in Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series in Toronto, Thursday, May 2, 2024. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)
Kylie Altier, 2024 Louisiana Teacher of the Year, and Garrett Altier, left, arrive for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 2, 2024, to honor the 2024 National Teacher of the Year and other teachers from across the United States. The fabric for her dress was designed by her students. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Sulphur Times-Democrat co-editor James John works on the next edition of the newspaper from his home on Monday, April 29, 2024 in Sulphur, Okla. A tornado destroyed the downtown, where the newsroom is located. The paper's building is without power and questions about its integrity remain. (AP Photo/Graham Lee Brewer)
An Iranian woman weaves a carpet at a workshop in the city of Kashan, about 152 miles (245 km) south of the capital Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Chinese rapper Wang Yitai performs at a concert in Chengdu in southwestern China's Sichuan province, Saturday, March 16, 2024. Wang Yitai, who was a member of Chengdu's rap collective CDC, is now one of the most popular rappers in China today. His style has infused mainstream pop sounds, than the heavy "trap" music Chengdu is known for. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Christian Orthodox worshippers leave the chapel basement after attending a service at the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in, Lypivka, near Lviv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. This Orthodox Easter season, an extraordinary new church is bringing spiritual comfort to war-weary residents of the Ukrainian village of Lypivka. Two years ago it also provided physical refuge from horrors outside. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs smiles after signing the repeal of the Civil War-era near-total abortion ban, Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Capitol in Phoenix. Democrats secured enough votes in the Arizona Senate to repeal the ban on abortions that the state's highest court recently allowed to take effect. (AP Photo/Matt York)
FILE - Leonid Volkov, chief of staff for the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny watches a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Dec. 15, 2021. Volkov had his arm broken by an attacker wielding a hammer in Vilnius, Lithuania, in March. Lithuania's security service said the assault was probably "Russian-organized and implemented." (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias, File)
Conroe firefighter Cody Leroy carries a resident evacuated in a boat by the CFD Rapid Intervention Team from her flooded home in the aftermath of a severe storm, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Conroe, Texas. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP)
Former President Donald Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court before his trial in New York, Thursday, May 2, 2024. (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
Palestinians react next to the bodies of their relatives who were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza Stirp, at the Al Aqsa hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza, Thursday, May 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Dozens of tents were in place as part of a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The school said staff and volunteers have been trained to manage any disruptions that might occur at graduation at Michigan Stadium on May 4. (AP Photo/Ed White)
A pro-Palestinian protester jumps on fencing outside a library on the Portland State University campus on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Portland, Ore. The fencing was placed by police after they cleared out the library that had been occupied by protesters since Monday. Officers said they made 22 arrests Thursday. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
A group of pro-Palestinian protesters try to block a van carrying people detained by Portland police on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Portland, Ore. Portland police cleared out a library on campus that protesters had occupied since Monday. Officers said they made 22 arrests Thursday. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
