Brief Introduction of Croskey Merritt
Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt is an American professional football running back for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance, having started as a zero-star recruit out of high school. Croskey-Merritt played college football at Alabama State, New Mexico, and Arizona, showcasing his talent and determination at each stop. He gained significant attention for his breakout season at the University of New Mexico and his impressive performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he was named Offensive MVP. Selected by the Commanders in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he quickly made a name for himself in his rookie season, earning weekly honors and displaying the potential to be a significant contributor in the league. His story is one of overcoming obstacles and exceeding expectations.
Croskey Merritt Overview
| Full Name | Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 2001 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 24 |
| Birthplace | Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (Running Back) |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Information not disclosed |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $2 million |
Early Life and Education of Croskey Merritt
Croskey-Merritt was born on April 12, 2001, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was raised in a close-knit Southern family that instilled in him the values of faith, humility, and hard work. From a young age, football was more than just a game; it was a potential path to a brighter future. He attended Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, where he began to forge his identity as a relentless and driven football player. Despite his dedication and raw talent, he was not a highly sought-after prospect and was rated as a zero-star recruit by college scouts. His high school coaches often noted his incredible work ethic, being the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. During his senior season, he amassed an impressive 2,354 all-purpose yards, which included 1,363 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, earning him All-Metro honors and a selection to the Second Team AHSAA Class 6A All-State. Despite these accolades, major college programs overlooked him, leading him to begin his collegiate career at Alabama State University, his hometown team.
Croskey Merritt’s Career
Croskey-Merritt’s collegiate career was a winding road that saw him play for three different universities, each move a calculated step to prove his abilities on a larger stage. He began at Alabama State, an FCS program, where he spent four years. Over 31 games with the Hornets, he rushed for 1,164 yards and 13 touchdowns. Seeking a greater challenge, he entered the transfer portal after the 2022 season and landed at the University of New Mexico.
His 2023 season with the Lobos was a breakout performance. In 12 games, he rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-Mountain West honors. His rushing total and touchdown count ranked among the best in the program’s history. He became the first player in New Mexico history to have back-to-back 200-yard rushing games, with a career-high 233 yards against Utah State. Following this successful season, he transferred again, this time to the University of Arizona, to compete in the Pac-12.
His time at Arizona was unexpectedly cut short due to a complex NCAA eligibility issue stemming from his freshman year at Alabama State. A clerical error involving a jersey number swap led the NCAA to believe he had played in more games than he did, thus exhausting his eligibility. As a result, he only appeared in one game for the Wildcats in 2024, where he impressively rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown against his former team, New Mexico. Despite this setback, Croskey-Merritt remained with the team, practicing and helping his teammates prepare for their games, a move that showcased his character and dedication. He declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and made a significant impression at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he was named the Offensive MVP after rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders selected Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round with the 245th overall pick. He signed a four-year, $4.3 million rookie contract with the team. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, earning Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors after his debut performance. In a Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns, earning him FedEx Ground Player of the Week and another Rookie of the Week award.
Croskey Merritt Personal Life & Family
Croskey-Merritt is known for being a private and grounded individual. He was raised in a close-knit family in Montgomery, Alabama, that emphasized faith and hard work. While he has spoken about the importance of his family’s support in his journey, he has not publicly disclosed details about his parents or siblings. He is also private about his romantic life, and there are no public records or reliable reports confirming if he is in a relationship, married, or has children. Those close to him describe him as quiet, introspective, and deeply spiritual. He often speaks about his faith in interviews and on social media. Despite his rising fame in the NFL, he maintains a humble lifestyle, choosing to live in a modest apartment near the team’s facility rather than indulging in luxury. He is also involved in community outreach programs and enjoys participating in youth football camps.
Awards and Achievements of Croskey Merritt
- FedEx Ground Player of the Week (Week 5, 2025)
- Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week (Week 1 and Week 5, 2025)
- Offensive MVP of the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl
- Second-Team All-Mountain West (2023)
- Named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List (2024)
- Honorable Mention All-America by College Football News (2023)
- Second Team AHSAA Class 6A All-State (High School)
- Two-time All-Metro selection (High School)
Croskey Merritt Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Croskey Merritt’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This is primarily based on his rookie contract with the Washington Commanders, which is a four-year deal valued at approximately $4.3 million. The contract included a signing bonus and his annual salary will increase over the course of the deal. His income is derived from his NFL salary and potential endorsements. His on-field success as a rookie has likely increased his potential for future earnings and marketing opportunities.
Legacy and Influence
Though early in his professional career, Croskey Merritt’s journey from an overlooked, zero-star high school recruit to an impactful NFL rookie has already become an inspirational story of perseverance. His path through three different colleges, culminating in a standout season that put him on the NFL’s radar, highlights his unwavering self-belief and work ethic. He is viewed by teammates and coaches as a humble and hardworking individual with a professional mindset. His ability to overcome adversity, including the frustrating eligibility issue at Arizona, speaks to his character and resilience. In the community, he aims to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances, often sharing the message that you don’t need to be a top-rated prospect to succeed. His immediate success with the Washington Commanders has positioned him as a potential late-round draft steal and a key piece of the team’s future.
Interesting Facts about Croskey Merritt
- His widely used nickname is “Bill,” which originated in his childhood because his short haircut resembled the character from the animated television series “Little Bill.”
- He became the first player in the history of the University of New Mexico’s football program to have back-to-back 200-yard rushing games.
- Despite his success, he was a zero-star recruit coming out of high school.
- His eligibility for his final college season at Arizona was limited to one game due to a clerical error from his freshman year at Alabama State, where a teammate wore his jersey number.
- He majored in communications during his college studies.
Controversies
There is no publicly available information regarding any controversies involving Croskey Merritt. He is widely regarded as a humble and hardworking player with a strong character.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @jacorycroskey (Follower count not publicly available)
- Twitter (X) – @JacoryMerritt15 (Follower count not publicly available)
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Croskey Merritt
Croskey Merritt’s story is a powerful reminder that talent, combined with relentless determination, can pave a path to success even when the odds are stacked against you. His journey from an unheralded high school player to a promising NFL running back is a narrative of resilience and unwavering focus. In his rookie season with the Washington Commanders, he has already demonstrated the explosive playmaking ability that made him a standout in college. Off the field, he is known for his grounded personality and commitment to his community, values that were instilled in him from a young age. As he continues to develop his skills at the professional level, Croskey Merritt is poised to build a lasting legacy, not just for his on-field achievements, but also as an inspiration for aspiring athletes who are often overlooked. The next chapters of his career will be watched with great anticipation by those who appreciate a true underdog story.
