Ashton Jeanty Shares Tom Brady’s Message to the Raiders

SAN FRANCISCO — Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, who was the sixth overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft, rushed for 975 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in the NFL. Jeanty joined Athlon Sports on Super Bowl LX Radio Row in on behalf of Sharpie. 

Andrew Perloff: Biggest adjustment you’ve had to the NFL?

Ashton Jeanty: Everybody talks about it, but it’s true... everything really happens fast. Processing and analysis are so important. It’s something you have to be ready for because the game comes at you fast.

AP: What about developing as a pass-catcher?

AJ: I didn't really get as many opportunities early in the season. I just kept working and trying to improve. There are little things I need to improve. I think I can be a great pass-catcher and I will.

AP: What’s your relationship with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady?

AJ: It's been a great relationship so far. I saw him a lot before the season. Once he started working for FOX, I didn’t see him as much. But it’s been great. He dropped a lot of jewels to me and different guys on the team. He gave the team a great speech during training camp that really resonated with me.  

AP: What was Brady’s message?

AJ: He talked about how you get this opportunity in the NFL and what that means. How important it was for everyone to take advantage of the opportunity in front of you no matter who you are.

AP: Going back to college, I feel that a lot of people don’t pronounce Boise State correctly. It’s not Boi-ZEE.

AJ: It’s Boi-SEE. They’re pretty serious about that there. You have to get that right.

AP: The money in college football is growing like crazy. Do you look back and wonder how much you could have made if you left Boise State?

AJ: Yeah, most definitely. I know there are big dollar amounts out there at different schools. But I did the right thing staying where I was and developing into the player I did. I have no regrets.

AP: Your former Boise State QB Taylon Green, who then transferred to Arkansas, is in the draft. Are people sleeping on him?

AJ: First of all, he’s just an amazing person. Obviously, he’s also a great quarterback. He lost a lot of games this year. But he’s smart. He’s consistent. He’s an amazing athlete. He’s going to be great in the pros.

AP: Next year you’re going to have a new coach. If you could design the perfect offense for Ashton Jeanty, what does it look like?

AJ: I want to be a top play-maker. Obviously, great run schemes. But more than that. I want them to use me in the passing game as well to really put pressure on the defense.

AP: What can we expect from the Raiders next year?

AJ: It’s only looking up. It can't get any worse than what just happened. I can already tell it's going to get a lot better. I’m really excited for what’s coming next.

AP: Are you expecting the Raiders to take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1?

AJ: That's what the word on the street is. I've got no clue.

AP: Alright, so you're handing off Sharpie Rookie of the Year to [Notre Dame running back] Jeremiyah Love. How does Love’s game remind you of yourself?

AJ: He’s explosive. He’s got breakaway speed to go 60, 70 yards. I think he might have more moves that me. That spin move he had [against Pittsburgh], that was sweet. He’s incredible.

AP: What do you tell people who say teams shouldn’t draft running backs high?

AJ: I can understand that some people say that. You have to have the right team around you. The most important thing is can they make plays. If they can, it’s going to work out.