Maxx Crosby Sent Patrick Mahomes Message During Chiefs Star's Injury Comeback

Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby has never hidden how badly he wants to beat Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

That didn't stop him from reaching out to Mahomes during a difficult offseason.

Mahomes discussed the private exchange between the two AFC West rivals Wednesday as the Chiefs prepared to visit Las Vegas.

Crosby reached out after Mahomes was cleared to play following the serious knee injury that ended the quarterback's 2025 season.

"He actually texted me right when I got cleared to play and just kind of said, 'Hey, we're both back,'" Mahomes said.

Mahomes responded with his own message.

"Let's show the world who we are."

The exchange offers insight into the unusual relationship between two players who have spent years battling each other in the AFC West.

Crosby and Mahomes were both ready for Week 1 after spending the offseason recovering from knee injuries. Three games into their comebacks, both remain undefeated.

Las Vegas improved to 3-0 with Sunday's 35-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints, while Kansas City beat Miami 24-10 to remain perfect.

That sets up a historic meeting Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

It's the first time the Raiders and Chiefs have faced each other with the teams both at 3-0.

Crosby and Mahomes have frequently gone after each other during their previous meetings.

One of their most memorable confrontations came during a 2022 Monday night game, when the two went helmet-to-helmet during an emotional Chiefs comeback victory. Their confrontation was later featured on Netflix's "Quarterback."

Mahomes said Wednesday their battles come from two players who share the same competitive mentality.

He described Crosby as one of the NFL's best competitors and said they have considerable respect for each other, despite what happens when the Raiders and Chiefs meet.

For Crosby, Sunday's matchup provides another opportunity to test himself against a quarterback he has spent years trying to chase down.

The Raiders' defense has also given him plenty of help this season. Las Vegas entered the week leading the NFL with nine takeaways and 10 forced fumbles while ranking tied for fourth with 10 sacks.

That pressure has been a major part of the Raiders' surprisingly effective pass rush early this season.

Mahomes knows what he's facing.

He told reporters Wednesday that the Raiders are playing good football and that their 3-0 record is "real."

The friendship can wait until after Sunday.

Crosby reached out because both players were finally back. Mahomes wanted them to show the world who they still are.

Now Crosby will get the chance to do it while trying to hand Mahomes and the Chiefs their first loss.