Ashton Giunty had an incredible final season with the Boise State Broncos and almost won the Heisman Trophy in 2024.
Giunty ran for 2,601 yards, nearly surpassing former Oklahoma State star Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards. He also scored 29 rushing touchdowns. The former Broncos running back had 4,769 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in 40 career games.
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Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Giunty after the Fiesta Bowl game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Dec. 31, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Mark J. Revillas-Iman Images)
He accomplished his feat in the midst of an era of name, image, and likeness in college athletics. The better a college athlete plays on the field, the more money they can potentially make through NIL deals. According to , Janty's NIL valuation is estimated at $1.6 million. On3 Sports.
Giunty had an NIL contract with SAXX Underwear and the Boise Hawks minor league baseball team. But he made it clear to those coming out of high school expecting a paycheck that they should really focus on their skills on the field, not the money that comes with it.
“No. 1, don't chase the bag,” he told Fox News Digital when asked if he had any advice for high school athletes heading into the college game. “Chase your goals and dreams. Everyone seems to be running away from it. Three years ago, I had a dream of becoming an NFL player and one of the best running backs. The reason I'm here on that path is because I didn't chase.''There were a lot of people making more money than me, but I knew they weren't really better than me. However, I believed that if I kept trying, I could definitely achieve it. Where I want to be.
Boise State running back Ashton Giunty departs on November 23, 2024 in Laramie, Wyoming. (AP Photo/David Zarbowski)
College football star Ashton Jeanty talks about Deion Sanders potentially coaching the Cowboys
“You can't expect everything, so you have to trust the process. There are no rights. You have to earn it. That's the problem today. Maybe you did something in high school. But in college, you can't do that.''It doesn't matter how many stars you have. I've seen people with 5 stars who are really great. However, the only thing they have in common is their work. It’s about staying focused on your ethics and goals. ”
Giunty said the NIL in college football is like the “Wild West,” so a professional mindset is needed to navigate the murky waters.
“I think my whole approach was to just be a pro at it,” he added. “Obviously, you get paid at the next level, but you're not looking for the biggest payday. To be honest, it takes a little bit, you know what I'm saying? My moral and Values, that's what matters most.'' 1. Wherever I can best align that, that's where I am. ”
Boise State Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Giunty speaks during a college football media availability in New York, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Corey Shipkin)
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Giunty declared for the NFL Draft earlier this month. He is expected to be one of the first running backs cut from the roster.
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