Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders has established himself as a standout defensive player in the NFL. Selected in the 4th Round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Crosby has achieved remarkable success, earning two Pro Bowl selections and a spot in the Second-team All-Pro in 2021. In a recent interview with GQ Sports, Crosby revealed the real motivation for his undeterred work ethic is inspired by Kobe Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality.’
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Like Crosby, many other athletes, such as Tennis player Naomi Osaka, have also taken inspiration from Kobe’s work ethic. According to these athletes, inculcating the Mamba Mentality helps people maximize their potential. And these athletes have excelled in their field, thanks to Kobe being an inspiration for athletes beyond basketball.
Maxx Crosby takes inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ for his work-ethic
The Raiders’ star Maxx Crosby strictly works on his ‘No off day’ routine. Like Kobe, taking offs for Crosby, especially during the off-season, is next to never. The emerging NFL star wakes up at 5 AM every off-season weekdays and weekends and reaches the Raiders’ training facility by 6 AM.
Much like Kobe and LeBron, Crosby meticulously plans his meals, workouts, and focus for the day. As he enters his 5th season in the NFL, Crosby is very well on his way to establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league. Speaking to GQ Sport, Crosby revealed how his work ethic is inspired by Kobe’s ‘Mamba Mentality.’
“From a training aspect, I sat down with my nutrition guys, my strength staff, everyone I work with, to get ready for another off-season. We came up with a great plan. I got this from Kobe [Bryant]: I make agreements with myself. I’ll be in the building by this time, I will do all these different things: I will hit this speed on the field, work up to this, etc. These are the things I’m pushing for and working toward. I still have a few [offseason] weeks left, but I’ll just say this, it’s been an incredible off-season.”
For Crosby, this kind of routine and workout regimen has become part of his lifestyle. He wants to become the best version of himself in the league and for that, he strives to practice almost every hour of the day. However, it becomes unfathomable for Crosby when coaches ask him to take a week off or rest. But he still listens to them, given coaches know the game best.
“My coach was like, ‘Take the week, do your normal routine, eat what you are supposed to, do Normatec two hours a day, stretch before bed, etc.’ But I wasn’t training. I really had to psych myself out, because I know just one speed. I am so obsessed with becoming the best version of myself and the best in the league, that I will do whatever it takes. And that also requires me to listen. So when coaches tell me to take the week off, it’s time to go home. Go relax.”
Indeed, keeping this same mentality and work ethic will take Crosby to new places in the league. Crosby’s NFL career stats include impressive 231 tackles, 37.5 sacks, and 16 pass deflections.
Kobe Bryant is an inspiration to several top players including PSG star Neymar
Players beyond the realm of basketball consider Kobe Bryant as their inspiration. After Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant is perhaps the most celebrated and popular basketball figure in the United States. Brazillian superstar and PSG player Neymar Jr. once revealed how he drew his inspiration from the Mamba.
Growing up in Brazil, Neymar and his friends had only heard of Jordan but could never witness his greatness on the court. Kobe was a player who dominated the court post-Jordan in the early 2000s. Neymar grew up watching Kobe and was inspired to become like him in soccer. This stands as a powerful testament to how Kobe Bryant’s influence transcended sports, resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and inspiring them to pursue excellence in their own endeavors.
