Commanders’ RB Bill Croskey-Merritt gives profound answer to early success, ‘nothing is going to…’

Croskey-Merritt says he’s still working like he’s at the bottom after earning RB1 spot

The Washington Commanders selected Jacory (Bill) Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round of the 2025 draft. The talented running back was coming into the NFL off the back of an unusual set of circumstances that meant he wasn’t allowed to play in 2024.

Croskey-Merritt started the opening game of the season with the Arizona Wildcats after transferring from New Mexico. He’d just posted 1,191 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in the 2023 season, and wanted to show what he could do against a step up in competition.

In the opening game of the season, Croskey-Merritt took 13 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown, and was looking like he might be one of the best RBs in the country. However, he was then shut down for the season following a dispute over his eligibility, and just like that, his college career was over.

The running back stayed at Arizona and played scout team running back all season before entering the draft. While he hadn’t played, the Commanders were impressed by his prior film and took a shot on him in the final round of the 2025 draft.

It was very quickly clear that he was special. Teammates Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin have stated that they recognized it immediately during training camp. The rookie could play, and rumors were swirling that he might even be the best running back on their roster.

Just before the 2025 season began, Washington traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, helping pave the way for Croskey-Merritt to get significant touches in the regular season.

Last week’s injury to Austin Ekeler, while devastating, furthered that opportunity. The rookie is now listed as the RB1 on the Commanders’ depth chart ahead of their Week 3 clash with the Las Vegas Raiders.

When asked about the opportunity, Croskey-Merritt said:

“I treat it like I’m still at the bottom. I don’t think nothing is going to change. My work ethic is still going to stay the same. I’m just hungry.”

The Commanders’ running back said he felt like it was a long weekend without being able to do anything, but was excited to be back on the practice field this week, ready for the third game of the year.

Croskey-Merritt scored a touchdown in his NFL debut against the New York Giants, with 10 carries for 82 yards in the game. He only recorded four touches in Week 2 as the offense struggled against the Green Bay Packers’ defense, but the rookie is ready for his breakout opportunity.

Jon Gruden said Croskey-Merritt is his favorite guy in the league right now

The Commanders’ starting running back has captured the attention of a lot of fantasy football players this offseason, and Jon Gruden is a huge fan, too.

While previewing Washington in Week 2 of the season, Gruden said:

“His name is Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Who? He just likes to be called ‘Bill’. I love this guy. This is my favorite guy in the league right now. Who is this ‘Bill’?”

“This guy was at Alabama State. Then he transfers to New Mexico. Then he goes to Arizona. He plays one game, and they suspend him for eligibility purposes. But he stays at Arizona, and he’s on the scout team. This guy loves football, and now this guy is the go-to back for the Washington Commanders. Believe it!”