Game recognizes game.

Even though four-time Pro Bowl selection Maxx Crosby and his Las Vegas Raiders won’t face the 49ers during the 2025 NFL season, there’s no love or appreciation lost for the talent that is Trent Williams.

So when the two stars reconnected during 49ers-Raiders joint practice Thursday, Crosby was just grateful for a chance to catch up with one of the NFL’s best.

“He didn’t go in any of the team stuff, so unfortunately I didn’t get to go against him [in practice],” Crosby told reporters (h/t Vegas Sports Today). “I was looking forward to it. He’s somebody I respect at the highest level. I mean, he’s 37 years old. Dude’s going to be a Hall of Famer. Those are the type of guys I try to learn as much as I possibly can from. He’s got so much knowledge about the game. He’s such a good dude, but he’s a legitimate competitor, and those are the guys I like to learn from and just be around.

“When you’re out there, you start taking your s–t, those are the guys that make you better. That’s a guy I have so much respect for. So me and him, we chop it up every time we’re around each other. We have great conversations because he knows what I want and I know what he’s chasing and trying to accomplish. I could go on and on about that dude. I respect him so much.”

“Unfortunately I didn’t get to go against him (Trent Williams). Dude’s gonna be a HOFer. When you’re out there, you start taking your sh*t…those are the guys that make you better.”

Raiders star Maxx Crosby on his respect for Trent Williams following a Raiders-49ers scrimmage… pic.twitter.com/0sRPKLmT7Y

— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) August 14, 2025

Did you notice how many times he repeated the word “respect”? That’s not an accident.

And the feeling is mutual.

Despite finishing with just 7.5 sacks in an injury-hampered 2024 season, Crosby was awarded a massive three-year, $106.5 million extension in March that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league at the time.

Crosby closed out his 2023 season with a career high 14.5 sacks and was tied for the most tackles for loss in the NFL. Meanwhile, Williams has been ranked as one of the top left tackles in the league for multiple consecutive seasons.

Needless to say, when these two go face-to-face, whether it’s in a practice, scrimmage or preseason game — it’s must-see action.

Las Vegas hosts San Francisco for a second preseason game Saturday at Allegiant Stadium. Williams likely won’t play, but if he does, that could add an exciting storyline to what’s otherwise perceived as just the preseason.

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