Giunty Adjusting to NFL Expectations
Brock Bowers, who was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders as a first-round pick last season, stepped into the spotlight with high hopes. Typically, that’s what every NFL team envisions when they make their initial selection during the draft.
With the pressure on Raiders running back Ashton Giunty for this season, Bowers serves as a fitting reference for dealing with such expectations while finding one’s footing in the NFL.
Giunty, who starred at Boise State and was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, didn’t exactly light up the stats in his early games with the Raiders, who chose him at No. 6 in April. But everyone in the NFL knows that a rookie’s journey isn’t always smooth sailing.
Bowers, when speaking to Fox News Digital, shared some words of encouragement for Giunty, coming from one first-round pick to another. “Just do what you have to do,” he advised. He also highlighted the significance of safe driving through his collaboration with USAA. “You’ve been playing the game since you were a kid. At the end of the day, it’s still just football. You just need to tackle it daily; that doesn’t change.”
In his debut, Giunty managed only 38 yards from 19 carries, but he did score a touchdown in a game against the New England Patriots. His average of just over three yards per carry in the first three games raised some eyebrows about his readiness for the league.
However, Bowers, observing Giunty’s efforts in practice, recalled why he was rooting for him during last season’s Heisman race—Giunty is a determined player willing to give it his all for the team.
Bowers remarked, “He’s got a strong desire to make things happen on the field. It’s great to see. Standing on the sidelines might be tough, but witnessing him play is rewarding.”
Bowers has been out with a knee injury but has kept an eye on Giunty, especially during a standout Week 4 where he rushed for 138 yards on 21 carries and even scored a touchdown. In a recent game, Giunty recorded 75 yards on 23 carries, marking his third rushing TD of the season, consistently pushing through tough defenses.
Though progress can be slow, Giunty is beginning to prove that he’s the top-notch running back everyone anticipated he would become.
“He’s been breaking tackles, evading defenders, and overall just making plays. It’s exciting to watch,” Bowers noted.
While Giunty is still a work in progress towards elite status, recent performances show promise. Bowers, along with others, hopes Giunty can carry this momentum forward.
Focus on Safety
Even with his injury, Bowers remains engaged, particularly with initiatives at USAA. He collaborated with the Raiders and the NFL’s “Salute to Service” program to highlight the importance of safe driving. He delivered a brief talk on this topic and also engaged in a USAA auto simulator that helps users experience various driving distractions.
Representatives from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were also present during the event.
Bowers expressed, “Everyone has been touched by an accident, whether directly or indirectly. It’s vital to raise awareness around this issue. You’re not just affecting yourself when you’re on the road—think about who might be in the car with you or other drivers you encounter.”
