Super Bowl Winner Blasts Raiders Coach for Changing RB Ashton Jeanty’s Pre-Snap Stance

Ashton Jeanty became a fan favorite because of his scarecrow-esque pre-snap stance, but they might not see it in the NFL.

Super Bowl Winner Blasts Raiders Coach for Changing RB Ashton Jeanty’s Pre-Snap Stance

Ashton Jeanty (Image via IMAGO)

DeSean Jackson is unhappy with Chip Kelly tweaking Ashton Jeanty’s menacing pre-snap stance that took the college football scene by storm. The Super Bowl winner critiqued his former Philadelphia Eagles decision and advised him to ‘do better.’

Jackson praised Jeanty and his journey in college during a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show. He wants to see the same explosive plays in a Las Vegas Raiders shirt that nearly won him the Heisman Trophy.

Among the quirks that made Jeanty a popular name is his pre-snap stance. However, fans may not see it in the NFL because new Raider offensive coordinator Chip Kelly told Jeanty to alter it. Kelly advised the rookie running back to bend his knees, more like a basketball player.

Jackson isn’t a fan of Kelly’s approach.

He’s got to do better. I don’t want to say his name because I don’t like giving him light, but for his stance. I just feel like as a coach you have to do better because this guy has proven he was literally one of the best running backs in college football.

DeSean Jackson told Kay Adams

Jeanty led college football last year in both ball carries (374 while averaging 7.0 yards per carry) and rushing yards (2601). He scored 29 touchdowns on the ground and one receiving score in 2024.

One of the main reasons fans fell in love with Jeanty’s game was his pre-snap stance. Some even called for the Boise State graduate to trademark it. But Kelly doesn’t view it in the same light. When asked to explain the reason behind changing the 21-year-old’s stance, Kelly revealed via NBC’s Pro Football Talk,

In any athletic sport you’re playing, you’ve got to bend your knees. And if you’ve got to run a flat route on Fred Warner, you’d better be in a position to run, because that dude can fly. All we’re trying to do is put guys in positions to make plays.

DeSean Jackson wants Ashton Jeanty to be himself

Jackson was a fearsome runner back in his day. His ball-carrying skills were second to none. In 2010, Jackson averaged 22.5 yards after catch while receiving and 15.2 yards after catch as a return specialist. He holds the record for most 60+ yard touchdowns in NFL history (26).

Super Bowl Winner Blasts Raiders Coach for Changing RB Ashton Jeanty's Pre-Snap Stance
Ashton Jeanty during his Boise State days in college football (Image via IMAGO)

Jeanty has all the capabilities to emulate a similar impact in his NFL career.

Be yourself [and] continue to go out there, produce, and have fun.

Jackson advised Jeanty

As long as the change doesn’t negatively impact Jeanty’s game, he should find it easier to adapt to the pace of the NFL early on.

One detail the Raiders fans will enjoy is seeing Jeanty wear the number 2 jersey. Jeanty reportedly struck a deal with the owner of the number, Daniel Carlson (kicker). He didn’t reveal the amount he paid, but in an interview, said,

You could buy a Mercedes GLE [with the amount].

According to Odds Shark, Ashton Jeanty is the odds-on favorite (+270) to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. In second place is the Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (+380), and in third place is the Jacksonville Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter (+750).

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