Croskey-Merritt Dazzles in Commanders Debut

For Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt, the opening week of the NFL season was more than just a football game. It was the realization of a lifelong dream. In Washington’s 21-6 victory over the New York Giants, the undrafted rookie proved he could handle the bright lights of the league’s biggest stage.

Croskey-Merritt carried the ball 1o times for 82 yards, averaging eight yards per attempt, and capped his performance with his first career touchdown. His north and south style gave Washington’s offense a steady presence, while his patience behind the line of scrimmage allowed him to turn small gaps into productive runs. His longest carry of the game was for 42 yards.

“This whole day was amazing, just being able to be on the field with my teammates,” Croskey-Merritt said after the game. “I’ve waited a long time for this, and I just want to give these guys thanks for just pushing me and believing me.”

The rookie’s energy was infectious, and his teammates rallied around him. When Croskey-Merritt scored from six yards out in the second quarter, the crowd erupted. In the excitement of the moment, he forgot to keep the ball as a memento, but veteran Terry McLaurin saved the day. “I forgot the ball again,” Croskey-Merritt admitted with a laugh. “I told myself, when I score, I’m going to make sure I keep my football. I think the excitement just takes over me, and I just end up dropping it. Terry ended up finding the ball and giving it to me.”

Touchdown, Celebration, and Confidence

Scoring his first NFL touchdown was only part of the story. Croskey-Merritt also faced questions about his end zone celebration, which he admits is still a work in progress. “I’m still trying to figure out the celebration situation, because in college, I didn’t really celebrate,” he said. “My friends were like, ‘You need to do something in the end zone.’ I’m thinking that’s going to be my signature move. I don’t know yet. I might have to switch it up. I’m still searching right now.”

What he did not have to search for was his confidence. He ran hard, protected the ball, and showed an ability to finish runs with power. “I just go out there and do me. It’s football at the end of the day,” Croskey-Merritt said. “I just go out there and have fun.”

The Giants presented a tough defensive front, but Croskey-Merritt felt prepared. Washington’s own defense, led by veterans like Bobby Wagner and Daron Payne, sharpened him during training camp and practices. “The defense we faced, they were definitely physical, and I was kind of used to it; our defense got me ready for it every day during the week at practice,” he said.

Surrounded by Playmakers

One of the reasons Croskey-Merritt thrived in his debut was the talent around him. With Jayden Daniels commanding the offense and playmakers like McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. stretching the field, defenses had to respect multiple threats. “I feel like that just makes things a thousand times better, just having a lot of playmakers around you,” Croskey-Merritt said. “It just keeps people guessing, and me being around these guys makes me want to step up to the level that these guys are at.”

Croskey-Merritt has worked hard for this moment, and he knows expectations will rise after a promising debut. His humility and work ethic, however, suggest he is ready for whatever comes next.

“No, I felt like it was great football weather. I was just excited to be out there,” he said, reflecting on his first game.

The Commanders left Northwest Stadium with a division win, and Croskey-Merritt left with a memory he will never forget. Washington’s offense may still be finding its rhythm, but one thing is already clear: the rookie running back belongs on the field, and he has the potential to be a difference maker all season.

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