That’s what seemed to have happened when the Las Vegas defensive end “expressed my mind” during a 27-14 victory over the Broncos on January 7, raising questions about the future of then-interim head coach Antonio Pierce.

The next week, Crosby, who had previously expressed his desire for Pierce to secure a full-time position, declared on his podcast, “The Rush,” that he wanted to be a Raider. Nothing is off the table, though, if we choose a different course.

The NFL Network claims that part of that was threatening to make a trade demand if Pierce wasn’t given a promotion.

It’s true that being a leader isn’t always the most well-liked thing. Speaking to The Post about his experience with Invisalign, a quicker and more comfortable alternative to braces for straightening teeth, Crosby said, “It’s not the simplest thing.”

It’s not always necessary to take the simplest and most well-traveled path. I know that I spoke for myself because that is what it means to be a leader. And I was speaking on behalf of the group, on behalf of the boys. And to me, it’s all that matters.

On December 31, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Maxx Crosby, #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders, watches before the team plays the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.Getty Photographs
At a press conference held at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada, on January 24, 2024, Antonio Pierce chuckled as he was announced as the team’s head coach and Tom Telesco as the general manager.Getty Photographs

Clearly, everything Crosby said was effective.

After Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler were sacked in November 2023, Pierce, a linebackers coach, led the Raiders to an interim 5-4 record.

In the second half of the season, the Raiders appeared to be a different team, and Pierce soon gained the respect of the teammates by embodying the “Raider way,” which Crosby accepted.

Crosby, who is 26 years old, declared, “I want to win.” “Since I know I’m coming from a good place and I just want to win, I’d take the fire every time for sticking up for what everybody believes in. I work hard all year long. I have more presence in this building than CEOs or coaches do. I want everyone to have the same mindset as me because I’m here every single day, giving my all and risking my life to make this team win.

On November 26, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the fourth quarter of a game versus the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium, Maxx Crosby #98 and interim head coach Antonio Pierce converse on the sidelines.Getty Photographs
Using his nickname “AP,” Las Vegas Raiders fan “Vegas” Ralph Sotelo of Nevada carries a placard endorsing interim head coach Antonio Pierce during the team’s game against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on January 7, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Broncos were defeated 27-14 by the Raiders.Getty Photographs

Having said that, Crosby, one of the Raiders’ captains, feels he has earned the right to provide his opinions on what’s best for the group.

“I feel that I have the right to voice my opinions and convey what I think is best for the squad, and I did just that,” he remarked. And I still maintain that.

“While some people had their own thoughts and sentiments about it, in the end, it’s all just noise.” I work like no other, and I show up every day. And I never stop. That’s basically what it was, then. I was defending the rights of all the people in the building, including my guys, and I always will.

After completing his sixth season with 90 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, 31 quarterback hits, 23 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, Crosby is coming off of his greatest season to date.

In 2023, he received his second All-Pro nomination and his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

But that was also the season he encountered the greatest amount of hardship in his professional life.

Maxx Crosby, position 98 in the Vegas