When NFL players are inducted into the Hall of Fame, they are immortalized in football history as the sport’s greatest stars.
From the Raiders, whether in Los Angeles, Oakland or Las Vegas, several players in silver and black are represented in the Hall of Fame.
Among them is defensive lineman Howie Long, who ranks second in franchise history with 84 sacks. Long is considered one of the toughest and most relentless defensive linemen to ever play the game.
The Raiders currently have one defensive end who is well on his way to wearing a gold jacket once he takes off his cleats and hangs up his pads: Maxx Crosby.
Crosby has improved every year he has been in the league and has become one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
But what does it take for him to end up in Canton, Ohio, after his career is over? Long appeared on the latest episode of his podcast, “The Rush,” with Crosby and told him what it takes.
“Stay hungry and focused,” Long said. “You need a great family that understands.”
“The window is here,” Long said, holding his hands together to visually represent Crosby’s fleeting opportunity. “And the rest of your life is here,” he said, spreading his hands.
“I’m 31 years into my post-football life now,” he continued. “Those 13 years have gone by like that. You have the opportunity now. Health is everything. Health and mentality are everything. If you keep those two things — if you’re lucky enough to stay healthy, you might be able to play a little less, but not much. You’re not going to be off the field much. You’re not going to have Maxx Crosby off the field much. But if there’s an insignificant 3rd-and-2 or four at the 30-yard line where they get out, or a couple of plays there to give you a beat, it’s not going to hurt.”
Long suspected his answer would be something like this.
“If you want to stay hungry and be hungry, just be the best you can be.”
Crosby is a tremendous player on his way to becoming a legend. He has a Silver and Black Hall of Famer in his corner and hopes Crosby joins him when all is said and done.
Click Here to watch the full podcast episode with Long and Crosby.
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