Why Commanders Rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt Prefers to be Called 'Bill' - And His 2025 Prospects

The Story Behind the Nickname

The Washington Commanders have an intriguing seventh-round pick who's been turning heads at training camp, but you might be confused when you hear announcers refer to him as "Bill" instead of his given name, Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

The nickname has a charming origin story that dates back to his childhood. As a young kid with a short haircut, friends and family started calling him "Little Bill" after the animated character from the popular children's show. The name stuck, and now, as he enters the NFL, Croskey-Merritt has specifically requested that broadcasters refer to him as "Bill" during games.

"I got the nickname Bill from having a bald head when I was little," Croskey-Merritt explained during his time at Arizona. "I used to have a low haircut, so people joked on me and said I looked like the character Little Bill."

The Winding College Path

Croskey-Merritt's journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. After spending four years at Alabama State, he transferred to New Mexico for the 2023 season, where he truly announced himself on the national stage. His performance with the Lobos was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns on 189 carries, earning Second Team All-Mountain West honors.

His rushing total ranked seventh all-time in program history, while his 17 touchdowns were third-best. He became the first player in New Mexico history to record back-to-back 200-yard rushing games, including a dominant 233-yard performance against Utah State in the regular season finale.

Seeking to further prove himself against elite competition, Croskey-Merritt transferred to Arizona for 2024. However, NCAA eligibility issues stemming from a jersey number discrepancy during his redshirt freshman year at Alabama State limited him to just one game, where he still managed 106 yards and a touchdown on limited touches.

Character That Coaches Notice

What happened next speaks volumes about Croskey-Merritt's character. Rather than transfer again or sit out the season, he made an almost unprecedented decision to stay at Arizona and play scout team for the entire year, with no opportunity for stats, recognition, or playing time.

"He got ruled ineligible at Arizona and stayed and played scout team the whole year, which is like nobody would do that," said Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. "So that tells you right there the type of passion he has for [football], and it shows up."

This dedication didn't go unnoticed. At the East-West Shrine Bowl, Croskey-Merritt was named MVP after rushing for 97 yards, helping cement his draft stock.

What Bill Brings to Washington

The Commanders selected Croskey-Merritt with the 245th overall pick, their final selection in the 2025 draft. What they're getting is a running back with elite burst and cutting ability, though he'll need to develop his vision and instincts at the professional level.

Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 206 pounds, Croskey-Merritt posted impressive combine numbers including a 1.50-second 10-yard split - faster than current Commanders starter Brian Robinson Jr. (1.59 seconds). His 8.28 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) ranked him 362nd out of 2,099 running backs tested since 1987.

Film study reveals a player with sharp cutting ability and burst through the hole. He shows excellent patience behind his blocks and the vision to find creases in crowded workspaces. Some analysts have compared his running style to former Arizona standout David Johnson, noting similar cutting ability and upright running posture.

2025 Season Outlook and Brian Robinson Factor

Entering his rookie season, Croskey-Merritt faces a crowded backfield situation. Brian Robinson Jr. enters his fourth season as the presumed starter, coming off a solid 2024 campaign despite dealing with various injuries throughout his career. Robinson has yet to play a full 17-game season, creating opportunities for depth players to contribute.

However, early reports from training camp have been overwhelmingly positive. Coaches have praised his burst, work ethic, and football IQ. His preseason debut against New England, while statistically modest (seven carries for 24 yards), showed promise with 22 of those yards coming after contact.

"I like the skills that we're seeing from Bill," head coach Dan Quinn said after the preseason opener. "I'm encouraged by what I've seen so far."

The Long-Term View

While immediate playing time may be limited, Croskey-Merritt's situation could improve quickly. Both Robinson and Ekeler are in contract years, potentially opening opportunities for 2026 and beyond. The Commanders clearly see something special in the rookie, evident in their decision to keep him despite a deep running back room.

Croskey-Merritt himself understands his role and remains focused on contributing wherever possible. "I would add a variety of talent, whatever they need me at, whether it's special teams or running back," he said. "I'm just ready to make this team better."

For a seventh-round pick to make an NFL roster is challenging enough, but Croskey-Merritt's combination of athletic ability, character, and determination gives him a legitimate shot. His journey from "Little Bill" to potential NFL contributor is still being written, but the early chapters suggest this story could have a very happy ending in Washington.

The 2025 season may not bring immediate stardom for Bill Croskey-Merritt, but it could very well be the foundation year for a player who refuses to let obstacles define his ceiling. In a league that values both talent and character, the Commanders may have found a gem in the seventh round.