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“Yeah, it’s been interesting,” Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said about RB Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt on Thursday. “He’s a guy who I have a ton of respect for his journey, there’s no doubt.”
Croskey-Merritt captured the hearts of NFL fans across the globe over the summer.
The seventh-round rookie out of Arizona steadily climbed the depth chart over the course of training camp, culminating in a breakout primetime preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, during which he had 11 carries for 46 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown run.
Going by Bill and with a swagger and determination that’s endeared him to millions, Croskey-Merritt is sure to be a factor for the Commanders this year.
In fact, Washington traded away starting RB Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers a few weeks ago, paving the way for Croskey-Merritt to see the field.
Kliff Kingsbury on Bill Croskey-Merritt’s Work Ethic and Drive
Greg Fiume/GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – AUGUST 18: Jacory Croskey-Merritt #32 of the Washington Commanders rushes for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on August 18, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Croskey-Merritt has a fascinating story. Originally a small-time high school recruit, he committed to Alabama State, where he played as a freshman in 2019.
An injury wiped out his sophomore year, causing him to redshirt, but he played again in 2021 and 2022 before transferring to New Mexico in 2023.
That season, he had 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, adding seven receptions for 72 yards and another score through the air.
He was a big-time transfer to Arizona in 2024 and dominated in their opener, with 13 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown.
However, the NCAA ruled him ineligible before Week 2 last year.
During his redshirt year in 2020, his number at Alabama State had been reassigned to another player who the NCAA had footage of, and they did not believe Croskey-Merritt nor the Alabama State coaching staff when they told him he didn’t play.
As a result, Croskey-Merritt was forced to miss the rest of the season, but he never wavered in his commitment to the team.
“To stay at Arizona and just rep on practice squad every day when you’re in college, like I wouldn’t have done that,” Kingsbury said.
“I would’ve gotten a job or done something else. I don’t like football as much as [Croskey-Merritt] does, apparently,” he said with a chuckle.
“So for him to do that, go to an All-Star game, and then just kinda earn the reps, like he can’t get enough.
He wants to know about it, wants to practice, he’s always trying to get to the front of the line, and so that’s been really cool to see. We’ll see how it all goes, but yeah it’s a big hype train for ol’ Bill.”
The Washington Commanders’ Depth Chart at Running Back
Those strong words from Kingsbury are a positive sign for Croskey-Merritt, but even with Robinson no longer on the roster, it’s a crowded depth chart in Washington.
Chris Rodriguez and Austin Ekeler are sure to be factors as well, and it might take some time for Croskey-Merritt to earn a featured role. But clearly, the coaching staff loves him.
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