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Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders became the first active NFL player to take an administrative position with an NCAA team, joining the Eastern Michigan football program as its assistant general manager on Monday, the university announced.

Crosby, 27, who starred at Eastern Michigan from 2016-18 and set the program record with 20 career sacks, will assist his alma mater in evaluating prospects, manage the NIL budget and assist the athletic director with alumni relations, student-athlete support and fundraising efforts.

“There is no place more important to my personal and athletic development than Eastern Michigan University,” Crosby said in a statement. “It truly is an honor for me to not only be named the Assistant GM of the EMU, but together with my wife Rachel, make another donation aimed at creating opportunities for other athletes to be impacted by the EMU program, community, students and alumni.”

Crosby, who along with his wife donated $1 million to Eastern Michigan’s football program in 2023, will match all donations to the football program made before the end up of May — up to $100,000 — as part of ” Maxx Match,” a fundraising challenge that he launched.

“Maxx Crosby’s return to EMU in this leadership role is a transformative moment for our football program,” athletic director Scott Wetherbee said in a release. “His passion, vision, and generosity are inspiring, and the Maxx Match is a powerful example of that. … With him on board, we’re building a better football program and a stronger future for EMU athletics.”

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension last month to become the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. The new leader is Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who landed a four-year, $160 million deal.

Crosby has 366 tackles and 59.5 career sacks in 95 games (89 starts) since the Raiders selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

He recorded a team-leading 7.5 sacks to go along with 45 tackles in 12 games (all starts) in 2024 before undergoing season-ending ankle surgery.

–Field Level Media