Maxx Crosby interview gets really weird at MMA event: ‘Elephant in the room’

Maxx Crosby

Maxx Crosby was put on the spot this weekend - and even the outspoken Raiders star couldn't help but laugh.

Crosby was attending former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel's debut MMA fight at streamer Adin Ross' Brand Risk event when the conversation suddenly took a wildly unexpected turn on a Twitch livestream.

Im gonna address the elephant in the room, everybody wanna know if you actually Black," streamer BenDaDonnn bluntly asked Crosby during the broadcast.

The five-time Pro Bowler immediately burst into laughter before finally answering the influencer's oddly persistent question.

No, I'm not," Crosby replied.

Raiders Maxx Crosby responds to reporter asking if he is actually black. X/@raiders1022

And just like that, one of the strangest offseason NFL moments of 2026 was born.

Crosby, who was born in Michigan and raised partly in Texas, has long been open about his Serbian and Albanian roots. The Raiders pass rusher has referenced his heritage on social media and has proudly embraced his Balkan background throughout his NFL career.

Despite the viral moment, Crosby appeared completely unfazed and spent most of the night enjoying the event alongside friends.

BenDaDonnn interviews Raiders star Maxx Crosby at Adin Ross's Brand Risk event for the Johnny Manziel fight

Im gonna address the elephant in the room, everyone wanna know if you actually black" pic.twitter.com/90ItDiUVhU

- ShifftttyyyQB1 (@raiders1022) May 24, 2026

Off the screen, though, the Raiders star is still grinding through recovery from the serious knee injury that cut short his 2025 season. Crosby underwent surgery in January after battling through a meniscus tear and related cartilage damage before finally being shut down late last year.

He was also a part of, perhaps, the most notorious non-trade in NFL history.

The Ravens acquired Crosby in early March, only to back out of the trade - citing medical concerns - while the star was still at the Ravens facility.

Raiders Maxx Crosby responds to reporter asking if he is actually black. X/@raiders1022Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts after a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game. AP

It seems for now Crosby and the Raiders will continue their partnership with the pass rusher re-committing to the franchise as they start a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak and No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.