49ers’ Kyle Shanahan apologizes for being a ‘jerk’ to Raiders’ Maxx Crosby during 2019 pre-draft interview

Kyle Shanahan is entering his seventh season as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, and he has enough self-awareness to realize when he has made a mistake.

On Thursday, Shanahan apologized for being a “jerk” to defensive lineman Maxx Crosby. 

The Niners coach was referring to how he treated Crosby during the process leading up to the NFL Draft.

“He’s as good as it gets and wanted to apologize to him because we were kind of (jerks) to him in our interview when he came out of (Eastern Michigan),” Shanahan said. “He’s one of the coolest dudes I’ve been around and seen and one of the best players in this league.”

Shanahan’s admission came the same day of the 49ers’ joint practice with the Raiders in Henderson, Nevada.

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Crosby was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round in 2019. He has since developed into one of the league’s top pass rushers.

He has 37½ career sacks, including 12½ last season.

“I feel like every single team that I interviewed with didn’t take me seriously,” Crosby said. 

“I can name every team if I want, but I’m not going to do that. But Kyle Shanahan is an incredible coach. The dude is literally one of the best play-callers in the game, so I’ve got a massive amount of respect for him. We played against them last year, and they gave me all type of looks.”

Crosby added that his draft experience helped shape him into the player he is today.

“I remember everything, trust me. I remember all those interviews, but that’s what makes me who I am today. I carry every little scar. I won’t talk about a lot of it, but I keep everything noted.”

The Raiders host the 49ers Aug. 13 to open the preseason.

The Associated Press contributed to this report