Maxx Crosby Honors Larry Bird With Celtics Jersey at Patriots Game

A tribute to one of Boston's greatest basketball figures became a talking point before an NFL matchup when Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby arrived at Gillette Stadium wearing a Boston Celtics jersey bearing Larry Bird's name. The outfit drew attention ahead of the Raiders' October 11, 2026, game against the New England Patriots. According to reports published by Bleacher Report, Patriots Wire and Yahoo Sports on October 11, Crosby's choice highlighted Bird's enduring connection to New England sports.

The Raiders entered the matchup with a 3-1 record, while the Patriots stood at 2-2, according to Yahoo Sports. ESPN's Mike Reiss shared video of Crosby wearing the jersey as he walked through the stadium tunnel. The appearance attracted interest because Crosby had previously been linked to trade speculation involving New England, which had a need for help along its defensive front.

Patriots Wire reported that Crosby was ultimately involved in a trade to the Baltimore Ravens, but the deal fell through after he failed a physical. His appearance in a Bird jersey therefore attracted additional attention ahead of his matchup against the Patriots.

Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, presented a major challenge for New England's offensive line. Patriots rookie Will Campbell had struggled against Crosby in their previous meeting during Campbell's rookie season, although the former LSU standout had improved since that encounter, according to Patriots Wire. The matchup also carried implications for quarterback Drake Maye, whom Crosby could pressure by disrupting plays in the backfield. Patriots Wire identified the contest between Crosby and New England's offensive line as a significant factor heading into the game.

Bird's legacy provided the historical context for Crosby's outfit. The former Celtics forward spent 13 seasons with Boston after the team selected him sixth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft following his college career at Indiana State, according to Yahoo Sports. During his career, Bird earned 12 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA selections and three NBA Most Valuable Player awards. He also won three NBA championships, earned three All-Defensive Team selections and received the Rookie of the Year award for the 1979-80 season.

Bird additionally won two NBA Finals MVP awards and averaged 24.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game over his career. Yahoo Sports reported that he converted 37.6 percent of his three-point attempts, while his rivalry with Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson became one of the most celebrated matchups in NBA history.