Brief Introduction of Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a dynamic American football running back for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Overlooked out of high school, he embarked on a winding collegiate journey that saw him rise from a zero-star recruit to a record-setting running back at the University of New Mexico. Known for his explosive running style, resilience, and an endearing nickname, “Bill,” Croskey-Merritt captured national attention with a breakout season that culminated in him being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft and making an immediate impact as a rookie.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Overview
| Full Name | Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 208 lb (94 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (Running Back) |
| Current Team | Washington Commanders |
| High School | Sidney Lanier High School (Montgomery, Alabama) |
| College | Alabama State (2019–2022), New Mexico (2023), Arizona (2024) |
| Net Worth (2025 Estimate) | Approximately $1 million – $1.5 million |
| Family | Information not publicly available |
| Marital Status | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was born on April 12, 2001, in Montgomery, Alabama. Growing up in Alabama, he attended Sidney Lanier High School, where he was a standout football player. Despite his on-field success, which included earning All-Metro and Second Team AHSAA Class 6A All-State selections, he was rated as a zero-star recruit by major college football recruiting services. Undeterred by the lack of national recognition, he remained focused on his dream of playing at the next level. His childhood also gave rise to his popular nickname, “Bill.” Due to a short haircut in his youth, friends and family joked that he resembled the character from the children’s television series Little Bill, and the name stuck with him throughout his life.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s Career
College Career: A Journey of Perseverance
Croskey-Merritt began his collegiate football career at Alabama State University, an FCS program in his hometown of Montgomery. Over four seasons with the Hornets, from 2019 to 2022, he rushed for 1,164 yards and 13 touchdowns. Seeking a higher level of competition and a greater opportunity to showcase his talents, he entered the NCAA transfer portal after the 2022 season.
He landed at the University of New Mexico for the 2023 season, a move that would prove to be the turning point of his career. With the Lobos, Croskey-Merritt had a phenomenal breakout season. He became the focal point of the offense, rushing 189 times for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns. His rushing yardage ranked seventh all-time in a single season for the program, and his 17 rushing scores were the third-most. He made history by becoming the first player in New Mexico history to record back-to-back 200-yard rushing games, putting up 209 yards against Fresno State and a career-high 233 yards against Utah State. For his incredible performance, he was named to the Second-team All-Mountain West.
Following his spectacular season, Croskey-Merritt again entered the transfer portal with the intention of playing his final year of eligibility against the highest level of college competition. His transfer process was tumultuous; he initially committed to the University of Arizona, then flipped his commitment to Ole Miss, before ultimately returning to Arizona. However, his final college season was derailed by an NCAA eligibility issue. A clerical error from his freshman year at Alabama State, where another player wearing his jersey number had stats incorrectly attributed to him, led the NCAA to rule him ineligible for most of the 2024 season. He appeared in just one game for the Wildcats, where he impressively rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown against his former team, New Mexico.
Professional Career: The NFL Dream Realized
Despite the setback in his final collegiate year, Croskey-Merritt’s breakout 2023 season and a standout performance at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, where he was named Offensive MVP after rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns, caught the attention of NFL scouts. The Washington Commanders selected him in the seventh round (245th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
He quickly became a training camp and preseason sensation, with his explosive running style and work ethic earning him a spot on the 53-man roster. He made an immediate impact in his NFL debut, earning NFL Rookie of the Week honors after rushing for 82 yards and his first career touchdown in a victory against the New York Giants. His early success has positioned him as a potential long-term weapon in the Commanders’ backfield.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Personal Life & Family
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is known to be a private individual. He grew up with his family in Montgomery, Alabama, but specific details about his parents or any siblings are not publicly available. Similarly, information regarding his relationship status, including whether he has a girlfriend or wife, is not in the public domain. He is known to model his tough, physical running style after former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL running back Mark Ingram.
Awards and Achievements of Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- NFL Rookie of the Week (Week 1, 2025)
- 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP
- Second-team All-Mountain West (2023)
- Honorable Mention All-America by College Football News (2023)
- Named to the Doak Walker Award watch list
- First player in New Mexico Lobos history with back-to-back 200-yard rushing games
- Second Team AHSAA Class 6A All-State (High School)
- Two-time All-Metro selection (High School)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million. His primary source of income is his NFL salary with the Washington Commanders. He signed a 4-year rookie contract worth $4,305,428, which included a $105,428 signing bonus and an average annual salary of $1,076,357. His net worth is expected to grow as his career progresses and through potential endorsement deals.
Legacy and Influence
Though early in his professional career, Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s journey is already an inspiring story of resilience and determination. As a player who was completely overlooked by major college programs, his path demonstrates that talent, hard work, and perseverance can create opportunities regardless of initial accolades. His breakout season at New Mexico and his immediate impact in the NFL serve as a testament to his drive. He is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Washington, not only for his on-field performance but also for his unique and widely embraced nickname, “Bill.”
Interesting Facts about Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- He prefers to be called by his nickname, “Bill,” which originated from a resemblance to the cartoon character Little Bill when he was a child.
- He was a zero-star recruit coming out of high school.
- He made history at the University of New Mexico as the first running back to ever rush for 200 yards in consecutive games.
- A clerical error regarding his jersey number in his freshman year of college nearly ended his collegiate career prematurely.
- He was named the Offensive MVP of the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl, a key pre-draft showcase for NFL prospects.
- He scored a touchdown in his very first regular-season NFL game.
Controversies
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has not been associated with any significant public controversies. The primary challenge of his career was the NCAA eligibility issue in 2024, which stemmed from a statistical error made by his first college and was not a result of any wrongdoing on his part.
Social Media Presence
Jacory Croskey-Merritt maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares updates on his career.
- Instagram: @jacorycroskey
- X (formerly Twitter): @JacoryMerritt15
Final Words about Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s story is a powerful reminder that the path to success is rarely linear. From an unheralded high school player to a seventh-round NFL draft pick making a name for himself, he has consistently defied expectations. With his explosive talent, determined mindset, and the unwavering support of his new fanbase, “Bill” is poised to build a lasting and impactful career in the National Football League. His journey is a compelling narrative of turning adversity into advantage, and his future with the Washington Commanders appears incredibly bright.
