Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, born on April 12, 2001, in Montgomery, Alabama, is an American professional football running back for the Washington Commanders. Known for his explosiveness and perseverance, Croskey-Merritt’s journey from HBCU roots to the NFL highlights determination and adaptability.
Rising from a zero-star recruit at Alabama State, he transferred to New Mexico in 2023, where he rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns, before finishing at Arizona. Drafted in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Croskey-Merritt quickly generated buzz as a potential breakout talent.
Quick Facts of Jacory Croskey-Merritt
| Full Name | Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 12, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Montgomery, Alabama, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| High School | Sidney Lanier High School, Montgomery |
| College | Alabama State (2019–2022), New Mexico (2023), Arizona (2024) |
| NFL Team | Washington Commanders (2025–present) |
| Position | Running Back |
| Rookie Contract | Four-year, $4.3 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Net Worth | $1–2 million (2025) |
| Major Achievements | 2023 Second-Team All-Mountain West, 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP, 7th-round NFL draft pick |
Early Life and Family Background
Croskey-Merritt grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where football became both a passion and an outlet. Attending Sidney Lanier High School, he excelled with 1,363 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns in his senior year and earned All-Metro honors. Though he received limited recruitment attention, his supportive family instilled a strong work ethic and community-minded values that shaped his resilience on and off the field.
College Career
Starting at Alabama State, Croskey-Merritt redshirted as a freshman and gradually built his stats over four seasons, totaling 1,164 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Seeking greater exposure, he transferred to New Mexico in 2023, breaking records with consecutive 200-yard games and earning Second-Team All-Mountain West honors.
A final transfer to Arizona in 2024 brought eligibility challenges, limiting him to a single 106-yard game. Despite setbacks, his performance at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, rushing 97 yards with 2 touchdowns, earned him Offensive MVP and boosted his draft stock.
NFL Career
Drafted 245th overall by the Washington Commanders in 2025, Croskey-Merritt signed a four-year, $4.3 million rookie contract. He’s been impressing in training camp and preseason drills, showcasing versatility in rushing, receiving, and special teams. Nicknamed “Bill,” he’s positioned as a rising talent capable of contributing early in his NFL career.
Personal Life
Croskey-Merritt maintains a low-profile personal life and is currently single. His Alabama roots and close-knit family provide grounding as he navigates the professional stage. Known for his nickname “Bill,” he is approachable and team-oriented, earning admiration for his humility and work ethic.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As a rookie, his net worth is estimated at $1–2 million, stemming mainly from his NFL contract with potential endorsements in the future. Croskey-Merritt leads a modest lifestyle, focusing on training, family, and football development, with early community involvement supporting youth and HBCU athletics.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Prefers the nickname “Bill”, given in childhood.
- Overcame NCAA eligibility challenges to reach the NFL.
- Holds a standout performance at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, earning Offensive MVP.
- Known for pre-game rituals including Alabama-style barbecue and music-inspired routines.
- Respected for versatility as a runner, receiver, and special teams contributor.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Jacory Croskey-Merritt embodies the modern underdog story: overcoming obscurity, transfers, and eligibility hurdles to reach the NFL. As he steps into his rookie season, he represents perseverance, adaptability, and emerging talent, with potential to shape the Washington Commanders’ future and inspire athletes from smaller programs and HBCUs.
