For a moment this offseason, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby made news by signing an extension that made him, for a short time, the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Although Myles Garrett and Ja’Marr Chase have stolen that title since, Crosby is making headlines again, though, in a less lucrative way. Yesterday, Eastern Michigan University announced that Crosby had been named assistant general manager of EMU football. 
First off, there is precedent for this type of situation. Though Crosby is the first active NFL player to man an administrative role for his alma mater, active NBA players Steph Curry (Davidson), Trae Young (Oklahoma), and Terance Mann (Florida State) have all been named to assistant GM roles for their respective alma maters, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Mike Klis of 9NEWS adds that Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles similarly holds a director of player development role for Legend HS in Parker, CO, a nearby suburb of Denver.
Secondly, while the university’s announcement claims that Crosby “will assist with evaluating high school and transfer portal prospects and help manage the team’s NIL/revenue share budget,” serving as well as special assistant to the Athletic Director on fundraising, alumni relations, and student-athlete support, the jobs appear to be fairly nominal.
Likely, instead of performing continuous talent evaluation, fundraising, and accounting tasks, Crosby will be asked to show up for certain events to assist the athletic department. Further supporting this theory, the same announcement informed of a “Maxx Match” program, in which he’ll match donations (up to $100K) made before the end of May to EMU football. They also announced that the weakside defensive end position, traditionally listed on the depth chart as the “LEO” position, has been renamed to the “MAXX” position. Finally, they announced that the team’s top edge rusher each season will wear jersey No. 92 as a tribute to Crosby, who wore the same number when he was an Eagle.
The new title should have no effect on his responsibilities in the NFL. Crosby may be tasked with a few more responsibilities in the NFL’s offseason, but his time remains with the Raiders as he plays out his new contract.
I like it
Wish more schools did this
I like it too, but as it becomes more common, I’d imagine that the idea cheapens and becomes less cool as it turns into a titular for show role.
NBA guys have been doing it recently
Brutally tough economy. even Maxx Crosby has to get a summer job.
Such a strange new trend.
All they are doing is assisting with recruiting, they can basically tell guys I can help you get to next level. The pros can lend to NIL by helping market the recruits and get them connected if the leagues don’t actually work out. None of the pro athletes are really handling budgets and school logistics.