Commanders' rookie receives prestigious honor from his hometown
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has yet to play in an NFL game, but recently received a prestigious honor. A seventh-round pick of the Washington Commanders in the 2025 NFL draft, Croskey-Merritt was recently honored by his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama.
The Montgomery City Council announced at Monday's meeting that May 8 would be "Jacory Croskey-Merritt Day."
Croskey-Merritt grew up in Montgomery playing sports. After receiving little attention from colleges, he began his college career at Alabama State. To enhance his chances at the NFL, Croskey-Merritt transferred to New Mexico, where he enjoyed a terrific 2023 season, rushing for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns. Croskey-Merritt decided to make one more jump, this time to the Arizona Wildcats.
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Croskey-Merritt began his Arizona career in a big way, rushing for 106 yards on 13 carries and scoring one touchdown in the season opener. Unfortunately, a quirky eligibility issue hung over his head for the remainder of the 2024 season, and he did not play again. Thankfully, Croskey-Merritt was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he was named offensive MVP.
The Commanders loved what they saw on tape from Croskey-Merritt, and many analysts believe he could prove to be a draft steal. In addition to his potential on the field, Washington appreciated how Croskey-Merritt remained with his team all season, supporting them rather than just walking away when he could have.
'This is something I wanted, to go pro in and not just watching guys on TV," Croskey-Merritt told WAKA Action 8 News. "I'm like, 'Man, that could be me one day.' So like ever since I was young, this just always has been my goal."
Congratulations to Croskey-Merritt.
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Next up for the running back is the rookie minicamp this weekend in Ashburn.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' rookie earns prestigious honor
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