Raiders Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty Reflects on His ‘Welcome to the NFL’ Moment

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty had a memorable “Welcome to the NFL” moment during his preseason debut, and the young star has opened up about his experience. Jeanty, who impressed throughout training camp, was quickly reminded of the speed and intensity of the NFL as he faced off against professional competition for the first time.

"That hit... It definitely hit me hard,” Jeanty said with a laugh. “It was one of those moments where I realized this isn’t college anymore. Everyone here is fast, strong, and smart. It was a great reminder of how much I need to continue working to get better.”

The moment came early in the game when Jeanty took a handoff and tried to break through a tough defensive line. He was met with a hard tackle that knocked the wind out of him, leaving the rookie on the turf for a brief moment as he collected himself.

"I wasn’t expecting it to come that fast," Jeanty continued. "I’ve taken hits in college, but the speed at which these guys move—it's a different level. I was just thinking, ‘Okay, I’m in the NFL now.’ But that’s the kind of stuff that makes you tougher, and it’s only going to make me better in the long run."

Despite the initial shock of the hit, Jeanty quickly bounced back and showed the resilience and determination that the Raiders coaching staff has been praising. He continued to work hard on the field, proving that his mental toughness matched his physical abilities.

“Ashton’s got that drive we love to see in a rookie,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. “It was a tough moment for him, but he didn’t back down. That’s exactly what you want to see from someone who’s trying to earn a spot in this league.”

Jeanty’s “Welcome to the NFL” moment was just one of many learning experiences he’ll face as he transitions into the professional ranks. As the preseason continues, the rookie is focused on improving and making the most of every opportunity.

“I’m just taking it day by day,” Jeanty said. “I’m here to get better and to prove that I can hang with the best of them. I know I’ve got the talent to do it; now it’s all about showing up every day and putting in the work.”

The Raiders are excited about what Jeanty can bring to the table in the future, and this early experience will no doubt help him as he continues to adjust to the speed and intensity of the NFL.