Maxx Crosby drops 5-word message for Cooper Flagg as Mavs rookie snags ESPYs award

ESPN held its annual sports award show, popularly known as the 'ESPYs', on Wednesday. The ceremony highlights the achievements of various athletes, teams, and organizations across the sports world.

Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg was presented with the 'Best College Athlete - Male Sports' award. In response to the news, Las Vegas Raiders star defensive player Maxx Crosby congratulated Flagg with a five-word statement.

The social media post also included a photo of Crosby and Flagg posing for a picture on a basketball court.

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Flagg was selected No. 1 by the Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft after an amazing college basketball season for Duke. In 2025, Flagg won the AP Player of the Year, the NABC Player of the Year, the Naismith Award, and was a First Team AP All-American.

Cooper Flagg and Maxx Crosby's 2025 outlooks

Flagg is expected to be a major piece of the Mavericks organization for years to come. With the midseason departure of superstar Luka Doncic, the Mavericks appear to have found another elite talent that should help keep the franchise fighting for the playoffs and the NBA championship in the future. Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last year for Duke.

Meanwhile, Crosby has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Despite the Raiders struggling for the past few years, Crosby has continued to perform consistently and has been one of the only bright spots in Las Vegas.

The Raiders have endured an offseason of major change, bringing in a new head coach in Pete Carroll, a new quarterback in Geno Smith, and a new running back Ashton Jeanty through the draft. Although the Raiders likely won't be challenging for a Super Bowl, expectations are growing for a much-improved 2025 campaign.

Edited by Joshua Gillesby