Ashton Jeanty is trimming more than just defenders this offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders running back said he had to clean up his diet, and that meant cutting back on the sugar he loves as he works toward better shape for his second NFL season.
“Yeah, the biggest thing to lose from my diet was definitely sugar. That's all of us. I love candy, all of that, so just really cutting that down and, you know, dialing it in more for sure,” the 22-year-old Jeanty said when asked by Bryant McFadden of CBS Sports what he had to lose from his diet.
Jeanty said the work hasn’t stopped there. He’s also focused on building his cardio, with the goal of staying stronger and more physical for longer stretches on the field.
“And then just working out, really building up my cardio, getting in better shape. I didn't feel like I was in good enough shape last year, so being able to play, you know, longer than everybody and, you know, be more physical longer, I think is very important at running back.”
The former Boise State Broncos star was taken by the Raiders with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he’s heading into Year 2 looking to make a bigger impact after an uneven rookie season. Jeanty ran for 975 yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt. He was more dangerous as a receiver, finishing with 346 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 55 catches and 73 targets.
Raiders fans will get their first look at whether the offseason changes pay off when Las Vegas opens the season at home against the Miami Dolphins on Sept .13.
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