Christopher Rodriguez Jr. is an American professional football running back for the Washington Commanders in the NFL.
He played college football at the University of Kentucky, where he ranks second in career rushing touchdowns and third in rushing yards in school history.
Rodriguez was selected by the Commanders in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, he appeared in 13 games, recording 51 carries for 247 yards and two touchdowns before being placed on injured reserve due to concussion symptoms in December 2023.
Parents
Rodriguez Jr. is the son of Stephanie Thornton and Chris Rodriguez.
His mother, Stephanie, passed away in January 2022 after battling lupus, which deeply influenced his life and career.
Rodriguez often cites her as his primary motivation, expressing that he continues to strive for success in her honor.
He has siblings, including Chyna Thornton and Gabbi Rodriguez. His father remains a supportive figure in his life, attending significant events like the NFL draft.
College career
Rodriguez Jr. began his college football journey at the University of Kentucky in 2019, where he quickly established himself as a talented running back.
In his freshman season, he played in 12 games, rushing for 525 yards and scoring six touchdowns.
In 2020, his sophomore year, Rodriguez continued to build on his success, finishing with 610 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
He also showcased his versatility by contributing to the passing game, making him a well-rounded threat on offense.
The 2021 season marked a significant breakout year for Rodriguez.
He rushed for an impressive 1,379 yards, ranking him among the top running backs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact was particularly notable, and he scored nine touchdowns during this standout season.
His efforts were instrumental in leading Kentucky to several key victories, including a historic win over Florida that bolstered the program’s reputation.
In 2022, Rodriguez faced some challenges, including a suspension that limited his early-season participation.
Nonetheless, he finished strong with 1,200 rushing yards and six touchdowns, further solidifying his legacy at Kentucky.
By the end of his college career, Rodriguez had amassed significant achievements, ranking third in career rushing yards at Kentucky with 3,644 yards and second in career rushing touchdowns with 32.
His contributions were vital in elevating Kentucky’s football program during his tenure.
NFL career
Following his successful college career, Rodriguez declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.
His combination of size, speed, and agility made him an appealing prospect for NFL teams seeking depth at the running back position.
He made his NFL debut on September 10, 2023, against the Arizona Cardinals.
During his rookie season, Rodriguez played in 13 games and recorded 51 carries for 247 rushing yards while scoring two touchdowns.
His ability to contribute both as a rusher and on special teams demonstrated his versatility and adaptability to the professional level.
Unfortunately, in December 2023, he was placed on injured reserve due to concussion symptoms, which limited his ability to finish the season strong but allowed him time to recover and prepare for future opportunities.
Accolades
Rodriguez Jr. had a highly decorated college football career at the University of Kentucky, where he became one of the program’s most prolific running backs.
He finished with 3,644 rushing yards, ranking third in school history, and recorded 32 rushing touchdowns, which is second all-time for the Wildcats.
Additionally, he scored a total of 35 touchdowns, placing him fourth in the program’s history.
Rodriguez was a two-time team captain and earned multiple accolades during his time at Kentucky.
He was named First-Team All-SEC by various outlets in 2021 and received recognition as a Third-Team All-SEC player in 2022.
He was also included on the Maxwell Award Watch List and the Doak Walker Award Watch List, recognizing him as one of the top running backs in college football.
Rodriguez set a school record with 20 career 100-yard rushing games, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform at a high level.
In addition to these honors, he was named SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week and earned various weekly awards for standout performances throughout his career.
