Maxx Crosby has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s toughest defensive players, but away from the football field, he has another important part of his life that means just as much to him. His wife, Rachel Crosby, has been beside him through some of the biggest moments of his personal and professional journey.
Rachel, formerly Rachel Washburn, was already an accomplished athlete before she became known as Maxx Crosby’s wife. She played college soccer at Eastern Michigan University, where she met Maxx in 2016. At the time, Maxx was developing his football career while Rachel was nearing the end of her own college soccer journey.
Their relationship started as a friendship and eventually became something much deeper. Today, the couple are married and raising their daughter, Ella Rose. Rachel has also played an important role in Maxx’s life during some difficult periods, including his journey toward sobriety.
Who Is Rachel Crosby?
Rachel Crosby was born Rachel Washburn on June 13, 1995. She grew up with her parents, Mark and Trisha, and has a sister named Ashley and a brother named Chad.
Long before she became part of the NFL spotlight, Rachel was making a name for herself in soccer. She played at Hartland High School, where she eventually became captain of the team during her senior year.
Her high school career included several accomplishments. Rachel was named Defensive Player of the Year during all four years as a Hartland Eagle scholar athlete. She also received all-district, all-county and all-conference recognition.
That athletic background gave Rachel something in common with Maxx from the beginning. While he was focused on football, she was building her own future through soccer.
Rachel’s College Soccer Career
Rachel continued her soccer career at Eastern Michigan University. She chose EMU because she liked the campus and was impressed by the soccer coaching staff.
During her time at the university, she continued to compete at a high level and was named to the Loyola Invitational All-Tournament Team in 2015.
Rachel graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2017 with a degree in sports management.
Interestingly, choosing EMU also changed her personal life in a major way. It was there that she met the man who would eventually become her husband.
How Did Maxx and Rachel Crosby Meet?
Maxx and Rachel met at Eastern Michigan University in 2016. Maxx was two years younger than Rachel and was beginning to attract attention for his football ability, while Rachel was finishing her college soccer career.
Their first connection was not immediately romantic. The two became friends before their relationship developed.
Rachel later recalled that one of their early outings involved going to a Mexican restaurant called Masa. Their friendship soon turned into dating, with the pair beginning a relationship about two months later.
What started during their college years eventually became a long-term partnership.
For Maxx, Rachel was there before he became one of the better-known defensive players in the NFL. That history has made their relationship especially meaningful, since she saw his journey from the early days.
Maxx Crosby and Rachel’s Engagement
After years together, Maxx and Rachel took another major step in their relationship in 2022.
Maxx proposed during a trip to Utah. The couple were staying at an Airbnb surrounded by snowy mountains, creating the setting for the proposal.
The engagement ring was also highly personal. Maxx worked with jeweler Al the Jeweler to create a ring himself.
Rachel later explained that Maxx had a major role in designing the ring, making the proposal even more special for her.
The engagement came during an important period in their lives as they were also preparing to become parents.
Rachel and Maxx Welcome Their Daughter
On October 13, 2022, Maxx and Rachel welcomed their daughter, Ella Rose.
Becoming a father was another major moment for Maxx, but the arrival of Ella also brought attention to the strength of his relationship with Rachel.
While Rachel was pregnant, Maxx publicly expressed his appreciation for her and reflected on everything they had experienced together. He credited her with standing beside him during both his best and hardest moments.
Their daughter has since become a regular part of their family life, with Rachel and Ella often attending Raiders games to support Maxx.
Rachel Supported Maxx Through Difficult Times
The story of Maxx and Rachel is not only about football success, marriage and family. The couple have also experienced difficult periods together.
In early 2022, Maxx entered rehab as he worked on his sobriety. He has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and the impact those struggles had on his life.
Maxx has repeatedly credited Rachel for being there through those difficult years. He has described her as someone who helped him change the direction of his life and find a healthier path.
For Rachel, supporting Maxx was not simply about cheering for him on game day. She stood beside him during some of the most challenging moments of his personal life.
That history helps explain why Maxx has spoken so highly of his wife and the role she has played in his journey.
Their Wedding in Nevada
Maxx and Rachel got married on March 4, 2023, in Boulder City, Nevada.
Their wedding took place at Cascata Golf Club and included several personal details that reflected their personalities and relationship.
One of the memorable touches was having legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer introduce the couple. They also had specialty cocktails inspired by their three dogs, with each drink reflecting the personality of the individual dog.
For Rachel, marriage represented more than simply a wedding celebration. She described it as a promise that they would face whatever came their way together.
After meeting as college athletes, getting engaged and becoming parents, the wedding marked another important chapter for the couple.
Rachel Is Often at Raiders Games
Rachel and their daughter Ella frequently attend Maxx’s games and cheer for him from the stands.
Her support has been visible for years, dating back to their college days. Rachel has shared messages celebrating Maxx’s football achievements and encouraging him as his career continued to grow.
In 2024, she posted a heartfelt message celebrating Maxx’s work ethic and his dedication to football, his teammates and their family.
Rachel’s role in Maxx’s life is therefore much bigger than simply being the spouse of an NFL player. She has been part of his journey from the beginning and continues to support him as his career reaches new levels.
Maxx and Rachel’s Work With Their Foundation
In November 2023, Maxx and Rachel announced the creation of the Maxx Crosby Foundation.
The nonprofit focuses on several causes that are important to the couple. These include teen substance abuse intervention, youth health and wellness, animal rescue and abuse prevention, along with other charitable efforts.
The foundation also reflects parts of their personal story. Maxx has been open about his own struggles with addiction, while the couple’s love for animals has also become part of their charitable work.
Rather than focusing only on Maxx’s NFL career, the foundation gives the couple an opportunity to use their public platform to help other people and support causes close to them.
Rachel Crosby’s Life Beyond Being an NFL Wife
Although Rachel is now widely recognized because of her marriage to Maxx Crosby, she had her own athletic identity long before the NFL spotlight.
Her soccer career included years of competition, leadership and recognition. Her degree in sports management also connected naturally with the world of athletics.
Today, much of Rachel’s public life revolves around her family and supporting Maxx, while she also shares parts of their life through social media.
She and Ella are often seen supporting Maxx at Raiders games, and Rachel continues to celebrate his accomplishments publicly.
At the same time, the couple appear to keep much of their family life personal, choosing to share selected moments rather than every detail.
A Relationship Built Over the Years
Maxx Crosby and Rachel Crosby’s relationship has lasted through several different stages of life.
They met as student-athletes at Eastern Michigan University, started as friends, began dating and eventually built a family together. They experienced an engagement, welcomed their daughter and married in Nevada.
They have also dealt with challenges that could have placed serious pressure on any relationship. Maxx’s struggles with addiction and his decision to enter rehab were especially significant.
Through it all, Rachel remained a major source of support.
Their story is therefore more than the typical NFL love story. Rachel knew Maxx before the fame, before the major NFL accomplishments and before he became one of the league’s most recognizable defensive players.
Final Thoughts
Rachel Crosby has played an important role in Maxx Crosby’s life both on and away from the football field. From her own successful soccer career to becoming a wife and mother, she has built a life alongside one of the NFL’s most hardworking defensive stars.
The couple’s journey began at Eastern Michigan University and continued through an engagement in Utah, the birth of their daughter Ella Rose and their 2023 wedding in Nevada.
Rachel has also stood beside Maxx through difficult personal struggles and has been someone he openly credits for helping him change the direction of his life.
Today, the Crosby family continues to grow while Maxx pursues his NFL career and Rachel supports him from the sidelines. Their foundation also gives them a way to turn their experiences and values into work that can help others.
For fans who know Maxx Crosby mainly because of his performances for the Las Vegas Raiders, Rachel offers another side of his story. She is the longtime partner who has been there through the highs, the setbacks and the major milestones that shaped the person Maxx is today.