Ashton Jeanty Reflects on Military Roots as He Prepares for NFL Draft

Ashton Jeanty looks forward to a pivotal moment in his life as he prepares to hear his name called in the upcoming NFL Draft in Green Bay. The talented athlete aims to fulfill his lifelong ambition of becoming a professional player. However, it’s his military family background that adds a unique perspective to his journey.

Jeanty’s father, Harry, served in the Navy, navigating a challenging process to join the armed forces. This connection has profoundly influenced Jeanty’s approach to the NFL Draft, as he notes striking similarities between military protocols and the preparation involved in professional football.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Jeanty drew comparisons between the rigorous testing prospective military members undergo and the assessments he faced during the NFL Combine. He stated, “Before you get into the military, they do various tests, MRIs, screenings. It’s the same way that’s in the draft and combine; you gotta do that same stuff. Kind of a funny thing.”

Understanding Military Life Through Visits

In preparation for his transition to professional football, Jeanty spent quality time with his father, visiting the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base in Milwaukee. This experience, conducted in partnership with USAA, provided Jeanty with insight into military life. He expressed his gratitude for USAA’s partnership and the opportunity to explore and appreciate the armed forces.

Reflecting on his visit, Jeanty remarked, “It really was a no-brainer for me. My relationship with my dad and him being in the military, but also just thankful to USAA for the partnership, the Salute to Service partner. To visit the Milwaukee National Guard, get in the life, see what they really do. I be playing Call of Duty, but that’s not real life.” His light-hearted comment underscored the importance of understanding the reality of military service.

Appreciation for Precision and Dedication

During his visit, Jeanty gained a newfound respect for the daily processes military personnel engage in. He conveyed the importance of precision in their operations, saying, “It was cool to see their daily process and how detailed everything is, what they’re doing on a daily basis. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their service.”

This appreciation extended to the meticulous nature of military training, which he observed firsthand. Jeanty highlighted, “The biggest thing was just to see how detailed everything is and how there’s little room for error and mistakes. Little to none, honestly. They’re doing these things every day, so the precision and attention to detail is amazing. It gave me a greater appreciation for what they do and how they’re protecting us every single day.”

Growing Understanding of Family Military History

As Jeanty navigates his transition from college athlete to prospective NFL player, he has come to understand more about his father’s military career. He shared, “He wouldn’t give too much detail exactly on what they were doing. Now that I’m older, he tells me about stuff that happened on the ship and stuff like that. I was so young before, so I didn’t really understand it. But now, there’s definitely conversations.”

This deeper understanding has strengthened the bond between father and son as they engage in meaningful discussions about military life. Jeanty’s eagerness to learn has fostered a dialogue that enriches both their lives, aligning Jeanty’s ambitions in the NFL with his father’s legacy of service.

College Football Success Ahead of Draft

Jeanty’s journey towards the NFL is punctuated by his notable achievements on the field. He garnered attention for his performance at Boise State, where he recorded the second-most rushing yards in a single college football season, just shy of the legendary Barry Sanders’ all-time record. This achievement solidifies his status as a top prospect for the upcoming draft.

As Jeanty stands on the brink of a professional career, he reflects on the lessons gleaned from both his athletic endeavors and his father’s military background. His unique perspective, shaped by family values and a drive for success, may very well influence his future in the league.

Embracing Two Worlds

Ashton Jeanty’s story is one of resilience and appreciation for hard work. Balancing his aspirations as a professional athlete with the values instilled in him by his military family creates a compelling narrative. As he prepares for the NFL Draft, his journey embodies not only his personal ambitions but also a deep respect for the sacrifices made by those in service.

This connection to his father’s military past enriches Jeanty’s life, reminding us that while the pursuit of an athletic career can be solitary, the support of family and the lessons learned in service can provide a grounding force. As he takes the next steps in his career, Jeanty recognizes that the values of discipline, hard work, and appreciation for service will serve him well on and off the field.