• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Maxx Crosby Is First NFL Player To Make College Assistant GM Leap

Crosby is the first NFL player to join a trend started last month by Stephen Curry and Trae Young.

Maxx Crosby
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The NBA trend of professional hoopers becoming name, image, and likeness connoisseurs at their alma maters has hit the NFL.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is joining the football staff of Eastern Michigan University as assistant general manager. Crosby will help with paying players through NIL and revenue sharing, judging talent in high school players and the transfer portal, and be a special assistant to the athletic director for “fundraising, alumni relations, and student-athlete support,” according to a university release.

NBA players Stephen Curry and Trae Young have made similar commitments, but Crosby is believed to be the first NFL player to do so.

Crosby will match all donations to the football program up to $100,000 before the end of May. In 2023, Crosby and his wife donated $1 million to the football team.

“There is no place more important to my personal and athletic development than Eastern Michigan University,” Crosby said in a statement. “It truly is an honor for me to not only be named the Assistant GM of the EMU, but together with my wife Rachel, make another donation aimed at creating opportunities for other athletes to be impacted by the EMU program, community, students and alumni.”

Also as part of the announcement, the weakside defensive end will be called the “Maxx” on the Eastern Michigan depth chart, and the best edge pass rusher will wear Crosby’s No. 92.

Crosby played for the Eastern Michigan Eagles from 2015 to 2018 before being drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.

Crosby and the Raiders agreed in March to a three-year, $106.5 million extension. “What you bring to the table, not only on it but off it, you get compensated that way as well,” he told Front Office Sports at Radio Row in February.

Last month, Curry became the volunteer assistant GM at his alma mater Davidson College for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, starting an “eight-figure fund” to pay players alongside credit card executive Matt Berman. A couple weeks later, Oklahoma announced Young would become an assistant GM, along with a $1 million donation. While not taking an official role with the program, James Harden has given in the high six-figures to Arizona State’s collective for the basketball team, as FOS reported.

There’s precedent for big names in football teaming up with NIL collectives. One example is Drew Brees at Purdue. But in the new era of college sports, one that awaits revenue sharing alongside NIL payments, a growing number of athletes are taking on official roles within their old athletic department to help lure in talent and funding.

“Big-time edge rushers will want to come here—not just to play but to build a relationship with Maxx and learn from one of the best,” coach Chris Creighton said in a statement.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Browns, Cleveland Reach $100M Deal to Clear Team’s Move to Suburbs

The surprise truce includes financial payments and the dismissal of lawsuits.

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.

College Football Coach Firings Nearing $100M in Contract Buyouts

Two other coaches besides James Franklin were fired Sunday.
Patrick Kraft
exclusive
October 11, 2025

Penn State, Adidas Deny Wrongdoing Around $300M Apparel Deal

The school and the brand publicly defended their 10-year deal Saturday.
October 12, 2025

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Will Pay Nearly $50M Buyout

The Nittany Lions lost again Saturday, falling to 3-3 this season.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.
Oct 9, 2025; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Big Ten MenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
October 10, 2025

In an Expanded March Madness, Big Ten Favors Straight Seeding

Discussion around expanding the tournament continues to escalate.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan talks with people outside the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens June 18
October 10, 2025

Congresswoman Says College Sports Commission Process Is ‘Harming Athletes’

The CSC’s process is “slow, inefficient, and inscrutable,” Rep. Trahan said.
exclusive
October 9, 2025

LSU Signs Multimillion-Dollar Jersey Patch Deal Before NCAA Approval

A new proposal would allow jersey sponsors in 2026.