Commanders' rookie running back has hilarious nickname

The Washington Commanders wanted to upgrade the running back position this offseason. With Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols set to be free agents and Chris Rodriguez Jr., a restricted free agent, Washington had only Jacory Croskey-Merritt under contract from last season.

When free agency hit, the Commanders brought back McNichols on a one-year deal and also signed veterans Rachaad White and Jerome Ford. Washington did not tender a contract to Rodriguez, who quickly landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Commanders were often linked to the 2026 NFL Draft's top running back, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, throughout the pre-draft process. But it became increasingly clear in the weeks leading up to the draft that Love would not make it to Washington at No. 7 overall. That proved true, as the Arizona Cardinals picked Love at No. 3 overall, while the Commanders selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

While the running back class was not considered deep, the Commanders may have landed an absolute steal in the sixth round by selecting Kaytron Allen of Penn State. Allen finished his career in Happy Valley as the school's all-time leading rusher, an impressive feat when you consider the number of NFL standout backs from Penn State.

There are some who believe Allen can earn significant snaps as a rookie, much like Croskey-Merritt, last season's seventh-round steal. Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in a part-time role as a rookie.

Being a potential late-round running back steal isn't the only thing that Allen has in common with Croskey-Merritt. He also has a unique nickname. While Croskey-Merritt's nickname is "Bill," Allen's is far more unique.

"I prefer Fat Man," Allen told the media after he was drafted by the Commanders. "That's my nickname, my mom gave me when I was a kid. I was a fat baby, and everybody in the town called me Fat Man, and hopefully I keep it going in Washington. They call me Fat Man, and when I score, all you hear is Fat Man, you feel me? It is going to be something special, man. I can't wait."