Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby is certainly a recognizable celebrity. He just didn't realize he was on LeBron James' radar.
As the All-Pro defensive end revealed on his podcast, The Rush, James recognized Crosby at a Los Angeles Lakers game.
'He's like kind of, you know, bending over, catching his breath,' Crosby said. 'He peeks to his left and just makes awkward eye contact, and I just kept looking at him.'
It's at this point that James purportedly referenced some trash talk that Crosby directed at Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew during a Week 17 clash last season. Specifically, Crosby called the 6-foot-1 signal caller a 'little-a** boy.'
And, as Crosby explained to none other than Minshew on his podcast, James apparently saw that footage.
Maxx Crosby attends the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the LA Lakers on March 22
LeBron James posts up on Cameron Payne on March 22, when Maxx Crosby was in attendance
'He's like, ''Better not call me a little ass boy,''' Crosby said. 'I started laughing. ... I was in shock. Like, ''LeBron James just spoke to me.'' I couldn't believe it, but at the same time, I think he knows exactly. That's crazy.'
James is certainly well versed in the NFL.
After predicting games throughout the 2023 season and sharing those picks with fans, he plans to do so again in 2024, only this time as a paid DraftKings contributor.
And of course, the there has been plenty of speculation that James had the talent to play in the NFL.
James actually played two seasons in football-mad Ohio as a high schooler and reportedly had interest from top-tier schools, but never backed off his desire to focus on basketball.
Later he admitted he was curious about potentially playing in the NFL during the 2011 NBA lockout.
'I always think about it,' James told The Athletic in 2021.
'I would have made the team,' he said. 'I would have tried out, but I would have made the team. One thing about it, I don't mind working for something, so if I would have had to try out for the Cowboys or the Seahawks, or if I'd have stayed home and went back home to Cleveland, I'd have tried (out), but I would have made the team. I just know what I'm capable of doing on the football field. Especially at that age.'
Furthermore, the diehard Dallas Cowboys fan reportedly got an offer from team owner Jerry Jones, according to longtime friend Maverick Carter.
'I know he got a contract from Jerry Jones that he framed and put in his office,' Carter said.