Las Vegas Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty Falls Victim to Draft Night Prank
Ashton Jeanty, the standout Boise State running back selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft, experienced an unexpected twist on draft night—a prank call informing him he had been traded to the Dallas Cowboys. The call, which Jeanty quickly recognized as a hoax, added a surreal moment to an already unforgettable evening.New York Post
The Prank Call Incident
Jeanty, who had just been drafted by the Raiders, received a phone call claiming he had been traded to the Cowboys. Recognizing the voice on the other end as a prankster, Jeanty hung up and laughed off the incident. This prank was part of a broader trend during the draft, with several prospects reporting similar hoax calls. Notably, Shedeur Sanders, Mason Graham, Tyler Warren, and Abdul Carter were among those targeted .Bleacher Report+4New York Post+4Wikipedia+4
Jeanty’s Stellar College Career
Before entering the NFL, Jeanty had an illustrious college career at Boise State. In the 2024 season, he led the nation with 2,601 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, earning him the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and a second-place finish in the Heisman Trophy race . His performance solidified his status as one of the top running back prospects in the draft.WikipediaSI+3SI+3New York Post+3
The Las Vegas Raiders’ Selection
The Raiders, recognizing Jeanty’s talent, selected him sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. This move was part of their strategy to bolster their offense, which had struggled in the previous season. Jeanty’s addition is expected to bring a dynamic presence to the Raiders’ backfield.
A Broader Issue: Draft Night Pranks
Jeanty’s experience was not unique. Several other draft prospects reported receiving prank calls during the event. These incidents have raised concerns about the integrity of the draft process. The NFL has stated that it is investigating the matter to prevent such occurrences in the future .
Looking Ahead
Despite the prank, Jeanty remains focused on his professional career. He is set to join a Raiders team eager to improve upon their previous season’s performance. With his exceptional college track record, Jeanty is poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL.New York Post
In conclusion, while the prank call added an unexpected twist to Jeanty’s draft night, it has not overshadowed his remarkable achievements and promising future in the NFL. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will translate his college success to the professional stage.SI
