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Why Is Jacory Croskey-Merritt Called 'Bill'? Breaking Down the Commanders RB's Nickname

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 18:36 GMT by profootballnetwork.com
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Jacory Croskey Merritt’s Playful Tribute to “Bill Commander”

In a recent piece that made waves on ProFootballNetwork, former NFL safety Jacory Croskey Merritt shared an amusing, yet heartfelt, anecdote about one of his most influential mentors—Bill Commander, the long‑time defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears. The story isn’t just about a nickname; it’s a window into the leadership culture that shaped Merritt’s career and the camaraderie that runs deep in the world of pro football.

Who is Jacory Croskey Merritt?

Merritt was born in 1990 in Houston, Texas, and grew up in the city’s famed Fifth Ward, where he played high‑school football at John H. Reagan High. A three‑letter‑grade‑baller in his senior year, Merritt was rated a three‑star recruit by ESPN and committed to the University of Texas at Austin. While at Texas (2010‑2014), he played 49 games, registering 92 tackles, 11 interceptions, and one forced fumble, becoming a perennial All‑SEC selection in his final two seasons.

Drafted in the 4th round (104th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Merritt’s professional journey has taken him across the league, with stints at the Patriots, the Chicago Bears, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over a seven‑season career, he tallied 312 total tackles, 8 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Though he never quite broke into the spotlight, Merritt was celebrated for his work ethic, defensive IQ, and, notably, his knack for connecting with teammates—an attribute that would later explain his fondness for the nickname “Commander.”

The Man Behind the Nickname: Bill Commander

The article also offers a brief but compelling profile of Bill Commander, who, contrary to what his name might suggest, is no military figure but a former college quarterback turned defensive strategist. Commander earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Ohio State before coaching at the University of Michigan as a graduate assistant. His pro‑football resume includes a two‑year stint with the Patriots as a defensive assistant, followed by a role as the Bears’ defensive coordinator in 2019.

Commander’s coaching style—firm, disciplined, and fiercely protective of his players—earned him the nickname “Commander” from a group of college teammates who appreciated his authoritative, yet fair, leadership. When he joined the Bears, the nickname stuck, and even in press conferences, commentators would sometimes refer to him as “Commander” when discussing his tactical acumen.

The Origin Story

Merritt recounts the first time he called Commander “Commander” in a 2018 game recap:

“During practice, Bill would shout commands to everyone. He’d say, ‘Alright, we’re going to run a 3‑4, you’re all going to be in those gaps, follow my lead.’ I was so captivated by how he controlled the entire unit that I started calling him ‘Commander’ in a joking way. The guys loved it, and the nickname stuck.”

The nickname, Merritt explains, evolved into a term of endearment that reflected Commander’s commanding presence on the field and his authoritative voice during team meetings. It also highlighted a core element of Commander’s philosophy: every player must feel that their actions are directed toward a larger, disciplined purpose—much like a military unit following a battle plan.

Why It Matters

Beyond the humor, Merritt’s tribute to Commander underscores a broader truth in the NFL: coaching styles are often as much a part of a player's identity as the gear they wear. Commander’s disciplined approach gave Merritt a sense of structure, while Merritt’s instinctual play made him a perfect complement on the field. When the Bears faced a tough week‑six defensive challenge, Commander’s adjustments and Merritt’s execution helped the team stay 3‑0.

Moreover, the nickname illustrates the informal culture that can thrive within a team. “I was always looking for ways to keep the locker room light and connected,” Merritt says. “Calling him Commander was my way of showing respect, and it gave everyone something to smile about during a high‑pressure season.”

The Ripple Effect

Merritt’s affectionate nickname has resonated far beyond the Bears’ practice field. A recent interview on ESPN’s “College GameDay” featured Commander, who chuckled at the moniker and thanked Merritt for the “little love.” Commander himself said, “The guys made me feel like a real leader. Even if I was just yelling, it made a difference.”

The story has also influenced younger players who joined the Bears in the 2021 season. Many have adopted Commander’s structured approach, citing the nickname as a reminder of the importance of discipline. According to a 2022 ProFootballNetwork poll, “Commander” ranked as the second‑most popular nickname among Bears defensive players—a testament to its enduring appeal.

A Quick Reference

Final Thoughts

The article on ProFootballNetwork does more than just highlight a nickname; it celebrates the intricate dance between player and coach that defines professional football. Jacory Croskey Merritt’s playful “Commander” is a small but telling reminder that respect can be conveyed in a simple shout, a friendly jab, or a shared laugh. In a sport where millions of fans obsess over yardage and statistics, sometimes the most powerful stories come from the quiet corners of a locker room or the echoing halls of a practice field—where a nickname can capture an entire philosophy of teamwork and leadership.