YPSILANTI (WWJ) - Eastern Michigan University is receiving a donation from the NFL’s Maxx Crosby that they’re describing as “nothing short of game-changing.”
Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee made an announcement on Oct. 30 that Maxx and Rachel Crosby committed $1 million to EMU Athletics.
Maxx Crosby played for EMU's football team and Rachel Crosby played for the university’s soccer team.
The field inside Rynearson Stadium will be renamed in honor of Crosby starting in 2024.
EMU said that the donation will allow them to start on the second phase of their Championship Building Plan.
Crosby said that attending EMU was life-changing.
"Without the opportunity to attend EMU, I would not have met my wife, Rachel, who has given me the most beautiful gift imaginable in our daughter, Ella,” Crosby said. “Without EMU, I wouldn't have the lifelong friends that now serve as advisors and business partners. Without EMU, I may not have ever had the opportunity to achieve my dream of playing in the National Football League.”
Crosby said the donation will help not only current EMU athletes, but also benefit future students.
“This gift is not just about the present, but also the future of generations of student-athletes who will benefit from enhanced facilities, scholarships, and support systems that will advance the rich history of the Eastern Michigan University athletic program,” Crosby said.
Crosby was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2019 following his time at EMU. He is one of the top defensive players from the university, typing the single-season record for sacks in 2017 and being the first player to have three sacks in back-to-back games.
Crosby is in town as the Lions take on the Raiders Oct. 30. Kick off is at 8:15 p.m.