From Underdog to Unstoppable: Ashton Jeanty’s Rise That No One Saw Coming

Jeanty went to the sideline medical tent after taking a hard hit on the first Raiders possession, but he returned to the game for the second drive and got right back to work. Jeanty picked up 13 yards on a run that saw him run through cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and then thumped his way into the end zone for his first touchdown of the preseason a few plays later.

“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.”Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty gave the team a scare early in Saturday’s game against the 49ers and then he gave them a reminder of why they made him a first round pick. After running for negative yards in his first preseason action, Jeanty had seven carries for 33 yards and one catch in a performance that Raiders head coach Pete Carroll called “tough as hell” in his postgame press conference. Jeanty said he suffered “a little stinger” on the opening drive and that he feels he showed he belongs in the NFL before the day was out. As the sun set over the gridiron last Saturday, Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty found himself in a real pickle—taking a brutal hit on the very first possession that sent him limping to the medical tent and had fans holding their breath. But here’s the kicker—he bounced right back, charging onto the field with a vengeance that reminded everyone why the Raiders snapped him up in the first round. Slicing through tacklers, including cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, Jeanty not only racked up a gritty 13-yard run but bulldozed his way into the end zone to notch his inaugural preseason touchdown. Talk about a comeback! Despite a shaky start with negative yards in his initial preseason play, Jeanty flipped the script to end with seven carries for 33 yards and a catch—an effort even head coach Pete Carroll dubbed “tough as hell.” Sure, the brief scare from a “little stinger” might have sent a ripple of worry through Raider Nation, but Jeanty’s grit and poise said louder than any words: he’s here, and he’s ready to stay. Rookie confidence doesn’t come overnight, but mark my words—Ashton Jeanty’s arrival has made it clear he’s aiming to be a game-changer this season. LEARN MOREWhile the Raiders could do without the injury scare, they’ll take everything else they saw from Jeanty on Saturday.