Three years—such a brief span in the grand scheme of life, yet for Maxx Crosby, defensive end for the Raiders and former teammate of Darren Waller, these past three years have been a transformative journey. A journey not only of personal growth but of conquering the internal obstacles that often plague us in silence. Crosby’s story is not just an account of an athlete rising through the ranks of professional football; it is a powerful narrative about breaking the chains of addiction and steering life towards a healthier path.
A Troubled Past, A Needed Wake-Up Call
Crosby’s struggle with addiction was never a secret, at least not to himself. He knew early on that his relationship with alcohol was different, even stating, “I knew from the day that I started drinking that I wasn’t like everybody else.” As his career soared, so did the unmanageability of his life. The pressures of professional sports only exacerbated a problem he knew he had to face head-on.
For Crosby, March 11, 2020, marked the beginning of his renewed commitment to himself. He walked into a recovery center on the same day the world seemed to halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For him, the timing was fortuitous.
“The whole world was put on lockdown, and it really gave me time to go take care of myself,” he noted.
Unlocking Transformation Through Recovery
The path to recovery is seldom linear.
As Crosby himself put it, “It’s been an uphill battle, and it’s an everyday process, but life is getting better and better.”
The early stages of his recovery were both mentally and physically grueling, but they were necessary. His journey included everything from staying in a sober living facility to rigorous training, shaping his body and mind for the challenges that lay ahead. The Alcoholics Anonymous program played a significant role in his recovery journey.
Crosby emphasized the need for a program and community support, stating, “Any guy in AA will tell you, ‘You can’t do it alone.’ That’s a fact.”
He’s right! One of the fundamental pillars of a successful recovery process is the collective power of community, mentorship, and accountability. For Crosby, this came not only in the form of AA meetings but also the unwavering support from his family, friends, and even coaches.
Sharing the Story to Ignite Change
It’s not uncommon for individuals in recovery to keep their struggles private, at least initially. Crosby, however, chose to share his story on a public platform. His transparency is not only commendable but offers a glimmer of hope to those in similar circumstances. It underscores the importance of sharing our struggles to light the path for others.
Crosby and teammate Darren Waller, who also successfully traversed his own path to recovery, attend rehab meetings together every Tuesday night. Their stories provide a unique lens through which to view life’s challenges, and they both believe that sharing these stories can benefit others immensely.
A Continuous Journey Towards Betterment
Maxx Crosby’s story is a stark reminder that recovery is a continual process. He still faces challenges and knows that his commitment to recovery must remain steadfast. As he enters his third season in professional football, he’s not only in peak physical condition but also in a far healthier state mentally and emotionally. Most importantly, as he puts it, he’s the happiest he’s ever been.
Get Help Today
Are you or a loved one grappling with addiction and seeking a supportive path to recovery? You don’t have to do it alone. Contact Landmark Recovery of Las Vegas at (725) 217-9910 to discover how you can start your journey toward a healthier, fulfilling life.
Read more about Crosby’s recovery story here at The Athletic.
Choose Recovery Over Addiction
We're here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs.
