Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders GM John Spytek may have had some family pressure to draft Ashton Jeanty, but he insists the decision was rooted in football, not fantasy. Spytek told SiriusXM NFL Radio, “My oldest son has made it no secret that if we don’t pick Ashton Jeanty at six, that he’s walking out of the family… Jack is motivated by fantasy football and touchdowns.”
Appearing on NFL Spotlight with Ari Meirov, Spytek cleared the air, drafting Jeanty had nothing to do with his child.
While the comment drew laughs, Spytek quickly made it clear that Jeanty was selected for what he brings to the field. “He has great feet, great vision, and he’s a nightmare to tackle in the open field. When you come up 31ish yards short of Barry Sanders, you’ve got my attention.”
Las Vegas Raiders Jokes About Son’s Influence, But Ashton Jeanty Pick Was All Business
Jeanty, who nearly broke Sanders’ legendary single-season rushing record, is seen as a foundational piece for a Raiders team aiming to reinvent itself under Pete Carroll. With a bruising run style and elusive playmaking, Jeanty embodies the physical identity Spytek and Carroll hope to instill.
“We want to be a physical and violent football team,” Spytek said. “It starts with the run game.”
The former Boise State star has already embraced the culture in Las Vegas, calling rookie minicamp “a new brotherhood” and highlighting Carroll’s emphasis on connection and chemistry.
Jeanty’s arrival, combined with the additions of Geno Smith and Brock Bowers, gives the Raiders a revamped offensive core. If Jeanty delivers on expectations, he won’t just validate Spytek’s decision—he could emerge as a dark horse Offensive Rookie of the Year.
And while Jack Spytek may be thrilled from a fantasy football standpoint, it’s clear the Raiders drafted Jeanty for real-world impact, not family loyalty.