Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Christopher Rodriguez Jr. (born September 26, 2000) is an American professional football running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats, finishing second in school history in career rushing touchdowns and third in rushing yards before being selected by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Early life Rodriguez was born on September 26, 2000, in Riverdale, Georgia. He played center on the offensive line in middle school until he broke his arm in seventh grade; he was moved to fullback upon returning. He was moved to running back while attending Ola High School, where he recorded 1,669 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior.

College career

Rodriguez played in three games and rushed twice for 43 yards in his true freshman season before opting to redshirt the rest of the season. As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he rushed 71 times for 533 yards and six touchdowns. As a redshirt sophomore in 2020, Rodriguez was the Wildcats' leading rusher with 785 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a redshirt junior in 2021, Rodriguez rushed for 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns on 205 carries during the regular season.

In May 2022, Rodriguez was arrested by a campus police officer and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and careless driving. He pleaded guilty in July and was fined 200 and had his driver's license revoked for six months. Rodriguez was later accused of filing inaccurate time cards while working part-time at UK HealthCare and was suspended for the first four games of the 2022 season for both incidents. Rodriguez scored a six-yard rushing touchdown with less than two minutes left in the 2022 Citrus Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes, helping Kentucky win 20–17.

Professional career

Washington Commanders Rodriguez was selected by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2023 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 12, 2023. On December 28, the Commanders placed him on injured reserve due to concussion symptoms. He appeared in 13 games as a rookie, finishing with 51 carries for 247 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Rodriguez was waived by the team on August 27, 2024, and joined their practice squad the following day. He was elevated for the team's Week 9 game against the New York Giants, recording 11 rushes for 53 yards. Rodriguez was promoted to the active roster on November 9. He was waived on November 23 and re-signed on November 26. A week later, Rodriguez ran 13 times for a career-high 94 yards and a touchdown in a game against the Tennessee Titans. In the Week 17 win over the Atlanta Falcons, he recorded his third rushing touchdown in the season.

The Commanders tendered Rodriguez, an exclusive rights free agent, on March 7, 2025.

Jacksonville Jaguars On March 11, 2026, Rodriguez signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. On June 9, it was announced that Rodriguez was recovered from surgery to repair a foot injury that was suffered at the onset of the offseason.

Career statistics NFL LegendBoldCareer high

Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost 2023 WAS 13 0 51 247 4.8 16 2 2 12 6.0 7 0 1 1 2024 WAS 9 0 35 173 4.9 25 2 1 12 12.0 12 0 0 0 2025 WAS 13 7 112 500 4.5 48 6 3 30 10.0 18 0 0 0 Career 35 7 198 920 4.6 48 10 6 54 9.0 18 0 1 1

College + Season GP Rushing Receiving Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD 2018 1 2 43 21.5 0 0 0 0 0 2019 9 71 533 7.5 6 1 2 2.0 0 2020 9 119 785 6.6 11 1 12 12.0 0 2021 13 225 1,378 6.1 10 13 61 4.7 3 2022 8 175 904 5.2 6 5 41 8.2 0 Career 40 592 3,643 6.2 33 20 116 5.8 3

Personal life Rodriguez is nicknamed C-Rod. His mother, Stephanie Thornton, died from lupus in January 2022.