Las Vegas Raiders star told Fox News Digital he plans on attending the UFC fight at the White House on June 14 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
“I’ve never been to the White House,” Crosby said. “I’m excited, I like history…
“It’s incredible that we all have an opportunity to celebrate our country and just be part of a historic event… we live in the greatest country in the world and it should be celebrated.”
For Crosby, as a highly successful NFL star, the celebration represents an opportunity to recognize the freedoms and opportunities he appreciates most as an American.
“You have an opportunity every day to chase your passion,” Crosby said. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but in this country you have a choice every day to chase what you love and what you aspire to do. People don’t say the American Dream for no reason. It’s the greatest country because it’s opportunity. It’s a land of opportunity.”
Crosby also revealed who he’s rooting for at the event.
“I think everyone knows how much I love Justin Gaethje,” Crosby said. “Justin Gaethje is one of the greatest fighters to ever do it, and he’s an absolute legend. He’s also a great friend, so I’ll definitely be biased for him. I want to see him go to the White House and do his thing for sure.”
The fight, slated for the South Lawn, came about after casually leaned over to Dana White during a live UFC match and suggested they “do a fight at the White House”. White immediately agreed, and logistics were set in motion days later.
“Dana White is like family to me. He always does it big, and he always does it the biggest and best way. He’s always going to put on an incredible show,” Crosby said.
“Ive met , and hes been incredible to me,” Crosby later added. “I know Dana [White] thinks nothing but the world of him and has a lot of respect for him. But you know weve met a couple times, and hes always been great to me. So, going to the White House, and being there, is going to be a lot of fun for sure.”
Crosby also said he would welcome the opportunity to represent the United States in makes its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“Oh, no doubt,” Crosby said when asked whether he would consider playing. “I think it’d be incredible.”
While Crosby noted that his family has roots in , he made clear where his allegiance would lie if given the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
“My mom’s side, I’ve got a Yugoslavian background, so I’ve got some Serbian and Albanian in me over there,” Crosby said. “I’m sure they’d give me a call as well, so it’d be an interesting decision.”
Still, the Raiders star said his heart remains with the country where he was born and raised.
“Everyone knows my heart’s here,” Crosby said. “This is the country I’ve been raised in, born and raised, so yeah, it would definitely be special.”
Crosby was also asked whether he would try to recruit Raiders minority owner to play quarterback for Team USA if he joined the Olympic squad.
“I don’t think he would do that,” Crosby said with a laugh. “I think he’s retired and there’s a lot of great quarterbacks right now. But I wouldn’t be mad at Tom Brady coming back. It’s a great time.”
Crosby also had high praise for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is adjusting to life at the NFL level after a successful college career.
“He’s a young guy and he’s coming in off an incredible season and an incredible college career,” Crosby said. “But when you get to the NFL, you’ve got to .”
The veteran defensive end said Mendoza has impressed him with his willingness to learn and fit into the locker room.
“I think he’s done an incredible job of just being one of the guys, being humble, being a sponge, just learning from everybody and asking questions,” Crosby said.
But Crosby won’t be taking it easy on the fresh-faced rookie in practice.
“There’s no taking it ea
