By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-07 23:50:46 | Updated at 2026-08-09 04:46:58
1 day ago
Chaos broke out at Las Vegas Raiders practice on Friday when NFL nice guy Kirk Cousins exploded at the team's star player, Maxx Crosby.
Defensive end Crosby smashed into Cousins, the team's starting quarerback, twice during the training camp practice. When he struck Cousins' arm a second time, the 15-year veteran confronted Crosby and tempers flared.
Cousins appeared upset that Crosby tipped his pass, forcing an incompletion, and then charged the 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end who is three inches taller and 42 pounds heavier.
According to ESPN, Cousins 'got into Crosby's face and grabbed his jersey' before they exchanged angry words as it got broken up.
Cousins, who is operating the first-team offense in training camp, remained on the field to finish the drive. Crosby, however, was sent to the sideline.
'Those are two leaders of our team going at it, so that is part of camp,' coach Klint Kubiak said. 'Obviously, if you fight in a game and throw a punch in game, then you're out of the game. So we've got to be smart and treat it like a game.'
Raiders duo Kirk Cousins (right) and Maxx Crosby (left) clashed during practice on Friday
Quarterback Cousins appeared upset that Crosby tipped his pass and forced an incompletion
Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and has been warned about hitting his QB
Cousins is widely regarded as one of the most personable people in the entire NFL and it is rare for him to lose his temper like that.
He signed for the Raiders earlier this offseason after a disastrous spell with the Atlanta Falcons that followed six seasons with both the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders.
Tight end Michael Mayer admitted after the incident that he appreciated the 'edge' Cousins plays with.
'We don't want to be throwing punches, but I think on any padded day of camp, there's going to be some tussles,' he said.
'That's our starting quarterback right now, and you want him to defend your team and you want him to have some edge to him, which he does. He's always had since the first day I met him when he came in here.
'I don't want him getting thrown out. I don't want him getting a flag. Nothing like that, but you've got to be able to defend yourself.'
Crosby, meanwhile, is one of the best pass rushers in the entire NFL and he said coaching staff have previously warned him about hitting his own signal caller during practice.
During his collegiate career, Crosby was kicked out of Eastern Michigan practice for being too aggressive.
'When you get out there and bullets are flying, I'm not thinking about not finishing the play. That's just not in my nature,' Crosby said at the start of training camp.
'That's something I've been dealing with my whole career. It's not easy.'
