Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was in the crowd Thursday night as Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made his professional debut in a Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Thomas and Mack Center.
Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty tips things off for the Lakers-Mavericks game. pic.twitter.com/A01nFsG9Ml
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 11, 2025
Jeanty took center court for a ceremonial tip-off ahead of the Mavericks-Lakers Summer League game, according to ESPN. The Raiders rookie was greeted with cheers from the Las Vegas crowd before tossing the jump ball and returning to his seat. Much like baseball’s first pitch, the moment marked a lighthearted pregame tradition—and Jeanty seemed glad to be part of it.
The Raiders made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft, grabbing Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 overall. The Boise State product entered the draft as the top-rated running back in the class. Only one other back went in the opening round: Omarion Hampton, who landed with the Los Angeles Chargers at pick No. 22.
Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in a record-setting junior year at Boise State, and he’s already turning heads in Las Vegas. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has praised Jeanty, the rookie back, while ESPN projects a 1,000-yard season in his debut.
Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders
The team is banking on a major offensive turnaround in 2025, bolstered by Jeanty’s arrival, Carroll’s hiring, and a trade for veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks.
With a new head coach and quarterback in place, the Raiders are aiming to win now—and Ashton Jeanty could be the spark they need to snap their playoff drought, which dates back to 2021.
Jeanty put up staggering numbers in his final year at Boise State, pacing the FBS in rushing attempts (374), yards (2,601), and touchdowns (29). The 5-foot-8, 211-pound bruiser finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up and helped lead the Broncos to a 12-2 finish and their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. His 2,601 yards on the ground now stand as the second-highest single-season total in FBS history, trailing only Barry Sanders.
Ashton Jeanty won’t carry the load alone in Las Vegas. Despite entering the season with big expectations, the rookie will split reps with veteran Raheem Mostert, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason. The Raiders are counting on both backs to revive a rushing attack that ranked dead last in 2024, averaging just 79.8 yards per game.
