Each of the 257 NFL Draft selections in 2025 represents an incredible story of success, failure, and grit. The sixth overall pick was none other than running back Ashton Jeanty. The Las Vegas Raiders spent their first pick on ensuring Jeanty’s speed, talent, and stats came to the black and silver.
“My journey to the NFL, it’s definitely been different,” said Jeanty. “And I believe that’s exactly what it’s made me: different.” He continued to explain that his faith is “everything.”
New Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty: ‘My Identity Is in Christ’
Ashton Jeanty was the first running back drafted in 2025. That came as no surprise as his 2024 college football season was “one of the greatest single-season performances in college football history for a running back,” according to Sports Spectrum.
The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy rushed for 2,601 yards in 2024. While his stats were astounding, he kept his cool leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. In fact, he posted about playing Call of Duty the night before.
“[Faith is] everything,” Jeanty said. “That’s what I’ve been rooted in. That’s what helped me get to where I’m at in this point. I’m just thankful for that relationship with the Man Upstairs because it’s given me so many opportunities.”
Jeanty was said to be “the best RB in college football last year,” according to the NFL.
In a letter to NFL general managers (GMs), Jeanty described what his role is like from his perspective, saying, “Once I’m running that football, I swear: my instincts just take over. This special gear kicks in, and it’s like I’m 10 years old again and I’m making the older kids look silly. I turn into this unstoppable beast.”
“I like to say that I’m a Christian cleverly disguised as an All-American running back,” Jeanty said in a video for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). “I’ve learned that God has blessed me with amazing talents. I’ve just been able to do a lot of great things with it, but at the same time, not losing yourself in it and understanding that my identity is in Christ.”
The Jeanty siblings are close and think of one another as their “own personal best friends.” Jeanty’s sisters and brother posted a video message to celebrate the draft pick. “Hey, Bighead,” started Jeanty’s brother, laughing. “The manifestation of your dreams have come into fruition, and I couldn’t be more happy to have a front row seat.”
“At your core, you’re an amazing human being, kind, humble, supportive, giving,” shared one of Jeanty’s sisters.
Jeanty told NFL GMs of his life story and success and, more importantly, of his deep love for football.
“Ask about me. Go ask my coaches from Lone Star if I made any noise,” encouraged Jeanty. “I’m guessing they’ll all say the same thing. ‘Ashton Jeanty? Nah. He just went out there and played football. That dude LOVES football.'”
Raiders 1st-round pick @AshtonJeanty2 knows his talent comes from God 🙏
For more of his story, check out our website.https://t.co/qdEp6nlOVh pic.twitter.com/U69Ubj3kuH
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) April 30, 2025
