Jayden Croskey-Merritt: From Seventh-Round Pick to Sunday Hero
In a season full of surprises for the Washington Commanders, perhaps none has been more heartwarming than the emergence of rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. On Sunday, against one of the NFL’s best defenses, the seventh-round draft pick delivered a breakthrough performance that helped power Washington to a crucial victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. With 14 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns, plus two receptions for 39 yards, Croskey-Merritt stepped up when his team needed him most. Playing without star receiver Terry McLaurin and welcoming back quarterback Jayden Daniels from a three-game absence due to a sprained knee, the Commanders found themselves leaning on their unlikely rookie sensation—and he delivered in spectacular fashion.
The emotional highlight came after the game when NFL legend Tom Brady, calling the game as part of FOX’s broadcast team alongside Kevin Burkhardt, named Croskey-Merritt the “LFG Player of the Game.” The rookie’s reaction was pure, unfiltered joy. “It definitely gives me a lot of confidence,” Croskey-Merritt beamed, his face lighting up with excitement as he spoke to one of football’s greatest icons. Through laughter and visible emotion, he continued, “I want to say thanks to God, my teammates and my family for being with me the whole week. I’m so thankful for this organization for trusting in me and believing in me.” Then, unable to contain his admiration, he added, “Appreciate you Tom. It’s an honor to talk to you. Yes sir!” The moment encapsulated everything wonderful about sports—a seventh-round pick, selected 245th overall, sharing a moment of mutual respect with the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
Croskey-Merritt’s path to this moment wasn’t straightforward. The rookie spent five years bouncing between college programs, playing for Alabama State, New Mexico, and finally Arizona. His collegiate career peaked during his lone season at New Mexico in 2022, where he rushed for an impressive 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite this production, NFL teams weren’t exactly clamoring for his services on draft day. The Commanders took a flyer on him with the 245th pick, just twelve selections from the end of the draft. Yet from the moment he arrived at training camp, Croskey-Merritt turned heads with his work ethic, running style, and determination. The team’s belief in his potential became evident when they traded away Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers just before the season began, signaling their confidence in the rookie’s ability to contribute.
What began as a complementary role behind veteran Austin Ekeler transformed dramatically when Ekeler suffered a season-ending torn Achilles early in the campaign. Suddenly, the seventh-round rookie from a winding college journey found himself thrust into the spotlight of an NFL offense. The “next man up” philosophy is often discussed in professional football, but rarely does it manifest in such a perfect storyline. Croskey-Merritt hasn’t just filled in adequately—he’s thrived, bringing a combination of power, vision, and surprising burst to Washington’s offense. Sunday’s performance against the Chargers wasn’t just impressive because of the statistics; it was the manner in which he achieved them. Running with confidence against a stout defense, Croskey-Merritt showed the poise of a veteran, making decisive cuts and finishing runs with authority.
The implications of his breakout extend beyond personal achievement. With Philadelphia’s loss on Sunday, the Commanders find themselves in legitimate contention in the NFC East, a position few predicted before the season. Head coach Dan Quinn has molded this team into a competitive unit that seems to improve each week, and Croskey-Merritt’s emergence provides another dangerous dimension to their offensive attack. Looking ahead, Washington hosts the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 6—a rematch of last season’s incredible game that ended with a Hail Mary touchdown pass as time expired. While that dramatic finish will be hard to top, the ongoing story of Croskey-Merritt’s improbable rise might prove equally compelling.
For players selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, expectations are typically modest: contribute on special teams, develop slowly, perhaps carve out a role as a backup. Croskey-Merritt has already shattered that ceiling, transforming from an afterthought to a potential cornerstone. His journey represents everything that makes sports compelling—perseverance through setbacks, seizing unexpected opportunities, and performing when the moment calls. As the season progresses, Commanders fans will eagerly watch this story continue to unfold, but regardless of what happens next, Croskey-Merritt has already provided one of the season’s most inspiring narratives. From the 245th pick to Sunday hero, his path reminds us why we love sports—because sometimes the most unlikely candidates become the most unforgettable stars.
