Dan Quinn blown away by Commanders star’s stunning rags-to-riches rise

It's getting harder to ignore the momentum building around Chris Rodriguez Jr. Not many gave the running back much hope of making the Washington Commanders' roster in 2025, but his tireless work ethic and ability to seize the moment saw him rewarded accordingly.

The Commanders shook things up by trading former backfield starter Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick. It's a calculated risk, but Adam Peters wouldn't have made this move if it weren't for the encouraging growth of Rodriguez and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt over the summer. Make no mistake about that.

Rodriguez forced the issue through a fierce competitive desire and an ability to generate more explosive plays than Robinson. That's what Kliff Kingsbury wants from his running backs, so getting leaner and more dynamic throughout the offseason tipped the scales in the Kentucky product's favor.

Commanders reward Chris Rodriguez Jr. for supreme offseason dedication to improve

Belief is growing. Dan Quinn couldn't be happier with the way Rodriguez is developing, citing his fight and willingness to put in the work as reasons why Washington has raised him from the proverbial ashes into a potentially pivotal role.

When somebody can demonstrate over and over again that they’re willing to put the work in, find the right read, not just the physical skill, but mentally and on the special teams — he’s a player that this team really trusts. Yeah, we really have a lot of confidence in him. He’s just somebody that through practice and through the opportunities that he gets, he really delivers on that. I like his fight. I like that he really worked hard to change his body, and those are things that, when people continue to show you that, then you pay attention.Dan Quinn via The Athletic

This sort of thing doesn't happen by accident. The Commanders aren't in the business of giving away places under this regime. Everyone must earn their spot, and that's exactly what Rodriguez accomplished by skill and commitment.

Quinn also hinted that the Commanders plan to make Rodriguez their new short-yardage and goal-line back with Robinson out of the equation. This couldn't be more positive, but he must retain the same urgency that got him this far to firmly cement himself in the team's long-term plans.

That shouldn't be a problem for a player who's bounced on and off the practice squad over the last two years. Now, a larger role could be in Rodriguez's sights, and he's got his relentless personal dedication to thank.

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