Jackson Merrill earns “real one” shoutout from Jaylen Waddle after dubbing NFL star a “GOAT” following Dolphins' victory over Rams
San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill is enjoying NFL action in the offseason after his stellar rookie year with the National League franchise. The rising star was at SoFi Stadium for the Miami Dolphins' showdown against the LA Rams on Monday night.
Merrill posed for a picture with Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle after Miami's 23-15 win against the Rams. The Padres rookie labeled the Miami WR as 'Goat' in his Instagram story, sharing the picture holding a signed jersey from Waddle.
Waddle reciprocated the emotion from the Padres centerfielder, resharing the picture in his Instagram story, captioning it:
"Real one."
While Waddle held Jackson Merrill's No. 3 Padres jersey, Merrill received a signed No. 17 Dolphins jersey with a special message from the WR.
"To Jackson. ROTY!"
Merrill has been nominated for the National League Rookie of the Year award as he was announced as one of the three finalists. He is contesting for the prestigious accolade against Milwaukee outfielder Jackson Chourio and Pittsburgh pitcher Paul Skenes, the other two finalists.
Merrill is one of the strong contenders for the accolade after becoming the youngest Padres player to feature in an All-Star game earlier this year. He has the best offensive numbers among all rookies and his 24 home runs are tied for the most by a rookie this year.
Despite his impeccable output, including five game-tying or go-ahead homers in the ninth inning or later, an MLB record by a rookie, he still faces challenge from Pirates ace Paul Skenes, perceived as the frontrunner for the award by many.
Jackson Merrill got praise from other stars as well
Apart from Jaylen Waddle, Merrill also got to meet other prominent entities during the game. The Padres rookie got a shoutout from Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel as well.
"Big W tonight. Great to have Jackson Merrill," Garfinkle wrote in his Instagram story while sharing the frame with Merrill.
USC Trojans men's basketball coach Eric Musselman also shared the frame with the Padres rookie at SoFi stadium.
"Great meeting @Padres Jackson Merrill. What an incredible @MLB rookie year," Musselman wrote on X.
The Padres rookie will know the outcome of the NL Rookie of the Year award on Nov. 18.