Raiders rookie RB Ashton Jeanty reacts to 'welcome to the NFL moment'

Ashton Jeanty had a welcome-to-the-NFL moment Saturday, but the Raiders rookie RB is ready for the pros and all that it takes. Head coach Pete Carroll already called him “tough as hell,” especially given the massive hit he took against the San Francisco 49ers.

In the 22-19 loss, Jeanty carried the ball seven times for 33 yards and a touchdown. Of course it’s the preseason, so Jeanty won’t get large workloads until the games truly count.

Still, he’s gaining confidence as he goes and seems to be molding into the player he was at Boise State. While in college, he was borderline unstoppable in 2024.

“It was definitely today for sure,” Jeanty said. “It takes time as a rookie to gain that confidence. I’m here. I’ve arrived and it’s time to keep going and make plays for this team.”

Jeanty went into the medical tent after absorbing a hit from Tatum Bethune. But after a quick checkup, he went back into the game.

Jeanty brought a ton of hype heading into the NFL Draft after a great season at Boise State. A lot of people would argue he should have won the Heisman Trophy. Instead, a second-place finish was the result but teams were still wanting to draft the star running back.

Nobody has better odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year than Jeanty. Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward is right behind him after being the No. 1 overall pick. However, the path for Jeanty appears to be as clear as anyone. A ton of success is likely on the way for the first-year player.

Jeanty ran for 4,769 yards and 50 touchdowns in three years at Boise State. Last season was historic as he ran for 2,601 yards, 29 touchdowns and averaged seven yards per carry. Heck, Jeanty even told Kay Adams about his stance change, something he’s willing to work with of course, after OC Chip Kelly had to discuss that talking point earlier in the offseason.

“What’s crazy, man, Chip Kelly, he comes to me on the first day of rookie mini camp,” Jeanty said. “He’s like, you play basketball, like you ever played basketball? I’m like, Yeah, I played basketball … He was like, show me how you would guard me … And he was like, that’s exactly why you gotta be down in your running back stance. 

“He won for now, I’m gonna try to persuade him one day. I gotta earn my stripes, make some plays first, but I don’t think it’s gonna be the end.”