Patrick Mahomes Doesn't Hesitate to Name Greatest Pass-Rusher He's Ever Faced
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
It's no secret that there's some bad blood between AFC West rivals the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.
In fact, just last season several Raiders players mocked Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with a Kermit the frog puppet with his signature curly hair and dressed in his No. 15 jersey (many have said Mahomes sounds like Kermit over the years).
And while Vegas may be one of, if not Kansas City's top rival, that doesn't mean there's not mutual respect between the star players on both teams.
Speaking with ESPN last week, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby had some high praise for the Chiefs—and Mahomes specifically—while also anointing himself as the top pass-rusher in the NFL, according to Pro Football Talk.
"It's ultimate respect when it comes to [the Chiefs]," Crosby said. "They've earned it. They've won three Super Bowls, they've got the best quarterback in football. But for us, as a pass-rusher, I'm going against the best quarterback. For me, I believe I'm the best pass-rusher in the world, so every time we match up it's a match made in heaven."
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs stands for the national anthem before Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs stands for the national anthem before Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.More NFL: Bill Cowher Doesn't Hold Back on Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Expectations
During his appearance on "Up & Adams" on Monday, Mahomes returned the favor.
The two-time MVP was asked who the best pass-rusher he ever faced was, and he didn't hesitate to throw Crosby's name out there.
"I think he's sacked me the most out of anyone I've ever played against," Mahomes said. "To me, he's the best pass-rusher that I've played against — and no offense to any other pass-rushers, just putting it out there.
"But he is the best one that I've went up against because he goes out there and he gives you the effort, he has the moves, and he has the skill. I think it's hard to have all three of those and do that year in and year out."
'To me, he's the best pass rusher I've played against'
Patrick Mahomes with the highest praise for Maxx Crosby 🙌@heykayadams | @PatrickMahomes @CrosbyMaxx pic.twitter.com/Ksw8hFKL9A — Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 7, 2025
More NFL: Steelers Acquire New Pro Bowl Weapon for QB Aaron Rodgers
Since his rookie year in 2019, Crosby is tied with Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter for the fifth-most sacks (59.5) and seventh-most sack yardage (425.5) in the NFL.
In his 12 career games against Mahomes head-to-head, Crosby has totaled 59 pressures, 41 hurries, 40 tackles, 12 QB hits, six sacks and one pass defensed, per Pro Football Focus.
The Chiefs are 10-2 in those games, and Mahomes has averaged 297 yards passing per game along with 27 total touchdowns and four interceptions with an average passer rating of 105.5.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
12 minutes ago
- Newsweek
NFL Coach Issues Massive Praise and Bold Take to Eagles Star
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Part of the reason why the Philadelphia Eagles didn't try to fight harder to keep some of their defensive free agents on board was due to the fact that they had to begin thinking about the future contracts they had to put on the table. Taking care of their younger homegrown talents will be a priority for Howie Roseman and the Eagles' front office. As the General Manager has drafted well since the Eagles reached the Jalen Hurts era, soon it will be time to start paying younger stars some big money. The defensive lineman Jalen Carter will be first in line. One anonymous NFL coach recently summed up the reason for that during an on-record discussion with ESPN. "Young player with elite tools, elite instincts and game-changing play ability," an NFL head coach told ESPN. "Think the best is yet to come from him if he can keep his life in order. Has Hall of Fame-type ability and instincts." Read More: NFL Exec Makes Confident Saquon Barkley Prediction Heading into the NFL, Carter's biggest knock was his off-field concerns. It was something the Eagles had to take a long and hard look at. Without those concerns coming out of Georgia, Carter might've been a higher pick. Instead, he nearly fell outside of the top 10. The Eagles made sure that wouldn't happen. Howie Roseman and the Philly front office called on Carter with the ninth-overall pick. He joined the team as the clock was ticking on Fletcher Cox. Since Cox was still in the building, Carter started just one game for the Eagles in 2023. Despite the lack of snaps, Carter lived up to the hype. Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, 16 games, Carter combined 33 tackles, with eight going for a loss. He registered six sacks and even took one of his two fumble recoveries back for a score. Read More: Eagles Vet Reveals Truth About Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown Duo In year two, Carter saw his snaps increase, and he became the focal point of the Eagles' defensive front. As expected, he produced a career-high 42 tackles, with 12 going for a loss. While he picked up only 4.5 sacks during the regular season, Carter hit the quarterback 16 times. He was named an All-Pro on the Second Team. Over two years, Carter hasn't dealt with any off-field problems. And he's been a problem for offenses on the field, showcasing his elite talent at the highest level. All the free agent defensive linemen with a hand in the Patrick Mahomes dominance during Super Bowl LIX got paid. It's only a matter of time before Carter gets his. For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
USA Today
28 minutes ago
- USA Today
Joe Theismann says Commanders need to pay Terry McLaurin, compares him to Jerry Rice
The Washington Commanders will have a Terry McLaurin problem on their hands if they don't act soon. As the team tries to build off a phenomenal 2024 season that saw it fall in the NFC championship game, the Commanders can't afford to break up the band now. That is especially true regarding McLaurin, who has been a fixture in the lineup since entering the league in 2019. That isn't lost on Joe Theismann, the quarterback that led Washington to its first Super Bowl championship in the 1982 season. He joined Kay Adams on "Up & Adams" on July 8, where he discussed McLaurin's contract situation and why the Commanders need to get a deal done. "That would be a major problem for all of us that appreciate what the Commanders have done, what Terry has done," Theismann said of McLaurin's contract situation and his potential departure. "His intangibles and his value to this football team are even more outweighed than his talent, which we know is extreme." The former quarterback didn't hold back, insisting that the star receiver must be paid. "He needs to be paid," Theismann said. "He needs to be paid right away. We need to put this issue behind us as a football team. He is one of the leaders. And he's a guy that you can always count on." McLaurin has been a model citizen for Washington since he was drafted in the third round with the 76th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has played four consecutive seasons without missing a game. Until 2024, McLaurin hadn't enjoyed great quarterback play during his time in the nation's capital. Despite those challenges, McLaurin has notched at least 1,000 yards in five of his six seasons and found the end zone 13 times in 2024 with rookie Jayden Daniels taking over under center. Theismann argued that "Scary Terry" is the best receiver in the game, even comparing him to Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. "He's faster than people think," Theismann said. "He sort of fits into that Jerry Rice category, where he's not a burner, he doesn't get all the publicity, he doesn't get all the hype, but he's as good as anybody that plays this game." Theismann added that the receiver is the piece that holds the team together and Washington can't afford to be without him – pointing out that losing someone like McLaurin would only hurt Daniels. McLaurin made headlines when he opted to skip mandatory minicamp in early June, bringing the contract issue to the forefront. The 29-year-old, who will turn 30 in September, is entering the last year of his three-year, $68.3 million deal, according to Spotrac. With the receiver market trending up and his contract set to expire, McLaurin is looking to cash in. In Theismann's eyes, the Commanders don't have a choice. As the regular season kickoff approaches, the team might begin to feel the same way. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Zoë Dale Marries NFL Kicker Cade York — and Yes, 'Thunderstruck' Was Performed at the Wedding
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Zoë Dale and NFL kicker Cade York got married over the Fourth of July weekend The pair tied the knot in Frisco, Texas, on Saturday, July 5, in a ceremony that included a performance of DCC's iconic "Thunderstruck" routine "A lifetime of us!! 🦢✨," the couple captioned an Instagram postZoë Dale and Cade York are married! The Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and the Cincinnati Bengals placekicker tied the knot on Saturday, July 5, in what friends are calling the "most beautiful celebration" — and they even included a nod to DCC's iconic pregame routine for the occasion. The couple, who confirmed their engagement in March, shared snaps on Instagram in joint posts on both Sunday and Monday, showing off glimpses of their ceremony at Verona Villa in Frisco, Texas. "A lifetime of us!! 🦢✨," they captioned one carousel of photos, while another featured the Bible verse Ruth 1:16-17, which includes the line, 'Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay." In the heartfelt wedding snaps, Dale could be seen in her white dress and veil as York, sporting a tan suit, shared some kisses and hugs with his new bride. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Per photos and videos shared by attendees on social media, York and the couple's guests were treated to an impressive performance of "Thunderstruck" by Dale and a few of her fellow cheerleaders in what has become a wedding-day tradition for DCC brides. While in their dressy attire, the crew of roughly a dozen cheerleaders and wedding-goers held up their pom poms and delivered a lively rendition of the signature DCC pregame routine, according to the footage. Dale could be seen showing off her moves in front of the group while wearing her white dress. Fellow cheerleaders Reece Weaver, Amanda Howard and Anna Kate Sundvold were among those who celebrated with the couple in their Instagram comments section, with Weaver calling it the "most perfect day." "Sweetest wedding 😍 y'all are a beautiful couple," Howard wrote. "The most beautiful wedding!! ❤️❤️❤️," Sundvold chimed in. York, who played college football at Louisiana State University, was picked in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He has been on the Bengals' roster since 2024. Per DCC's website, Dale is in her second season as a cheerleader with the squad and shared that she wants to be "married to my best friend and have a family of my own" in 10 years' time. The newly married couple first shared a clip from their engagement in March, which took place at a photo shoot when York surprised Dale as she turned around and saw him down on one knee. Before that, the couple appeared to make their relationship Instagram official in June 2024, and notably posed for a kissing snap on the field as their two teams faced off in December. Read the original article on People
