From a kid slinging passes on a dusty Montgomery field to standing at the doorstep of the NFL—this story writes itself. The Commanders didn’t just land a rookie; they found a hometown hero, crowned by his city with a day of his own. In a league chasing speed and stats, they found something rarer: a gem with roots that run deep. And now, he walks into the locker room with something no one else can claim—his name etched into his city’s calendar. That kind of honor hits different.

The Washington Commanders are beaming like proud parents—and they’ve got good reason. On May 8, the team posted a photo of rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt suited up and holding a framed proclamation from his hometown. The caption read, “Today is officially @JacoryMerritt15 day in Montgomery, Alabama 👏”—a nod to the City Council’s decision to honor their homegrown star with his own day. In the photo, Jacory is beaming, holding a framed certificate from the Office of the Mayor that officially declares May 8 as “Jacory Croskey-Merritt Day.”

It’s more than a feel-good headline. The proclamation tells the story of a local kid with big dreams. Raised in Montgomery, Croskey-Merritt grew up on Southern fields where football was life. He stayed grounded in “faith, family, and football”—traits now etched into the city’s tribute.

Fans reading the proclamation get more than a stat line. They get a glimpse into Jacory’s spirit, his loyalty to his roots, and the love that fueled his climb. With a proclamation signed by the mayor, Steven L Reed, Jacory Croskey-Merritt has a day named in his honor. The proclamation closes on a powerful note: “In honour of his exceptional achievements, his positive representation of our city and the bright future that lies ahead in football.”

Merrit’s journey began at Alabama State, Jacory bet on himself—transferring to New Mexico, where he exploded in 2023 with 1,190 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Still hungry, he made one final leap to the Arizona Wildcats, sharpening his game for the pros. He opened with a bang, rushing for 106 yards on 13 carries and scoring a touchdown in the season opener.

Now in Washington, the Commanders aren’t just welcoming another back—they’re embracing a story of grit, heart, and hometown pride. And if the city’s standing ovation is any sign, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is just getting started. Fans are eager to see how he’ll make Dan Quinn proud, just like he did to his city.

“Man, that could be me one day”: Dan Quinn’s rookie gamble has paid off

Dan Quinn is beaming with pride now, grinning like a coach who just stole a gem in plain sight. But rewind the clock just a bit, and it was anything but certain. GM Adam Peters made a bold choice by standing pat with his first two picks, resisting the urge to trade down and gather more assets. That move narrowed Washington’s margin for error—and turned every remaining pick into a high-stakes gamble. Then came No. 245 overall. A late-round flier on Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Some shrugged. Others sat up. And inside the Commanders’ war room? They quietly believed they had something special.

For Jacory, it was a moment that felt like exhaling. “This is something I wanted, to go pro in and not just watching guys on TV,” he 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.” And now, after years of chasing it, the door finally opened. The Commanders didn’t just see the numbers on film—they saw the heart behind them. A player who stuck with his team through the chaos.

That commitment mattered. It made an impression not just in the building, but across the league. The whispers started. Analysts began looking deeper. ESPN’s Louis Riddick didn’t mince words, predicting Croskey-Merritt could be “a significant contributor” in just a few years. The hype comes with risk. Jacory played only one game at Arizona due to NCAA rules. But his potential? That’s clear. This isn’t just about upside. It’s about character, patience, and perseverance. And Washington clearly thinks they’re betting on the right mix.