Ashton Jeanty, a college football standout, imparts NIL guidance to new players: "Avoid chasing after money."

In 2024, Ashton Jeanty came close to winning the Heisman Trophy with his impressive performance in his final season with the Boise State Broncos.

Jeanty nearly broke Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards, while also having 29 rushing touchdowns. In contrast, the former Broncos running back had 4,769 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in just 40 career games.

In the midst of the NIL era, college athletes can earn more money through deals. Jeanty's NIL valuation was estimated at $1.6 million, according to On3 Sports.

Jeanty had no deals with SAXX underwear or the Boise Hawks minor league baseball team. However, he advised high school graduates aiming for professional sports to prioritize their skills on the field over financial rewards.

Don't chase after the money, he advised Planet Chronicle Digital when asked for advice for high school athletes entering college. Instead, pursue your goals and dreams. Many people seem to forget this, he said. He himself had a dream of becoming an NFL player three years ago, one of the best running backs. And now he is living that dream because he didn't chase after the money. He knew that there were plenty of guys who were getting more money than him, but he also knew that if he kept putting in the work, he would get to where he wanted to be.

"Trusting the process is crucial because it's not about expecting anything. Entitlement is not an option. You have to earn it. The problem nowadays is that high school achievements don't mean anything in college. It doesn't matter how many stars you have - none of that. I've seen five-star athletes who were terrible, and three-star athletes who were excellent. However, the common factor is a strong work ethic and staying focused on the goal."

Jeanty characterized college football as a "wild, wild west," necessitating a professional mindset when dealing with its murky waters.

"He stated, "My approach was to be proficient in it, and while I'll eventually earn more on a higher level, I'm not seeking the largest payday. Honestly, I require a small amount to cover my expenses. My morals and values are my top priority, and I'll prioritize them when choosing a career path.""

Earlier this month, Jeanty announced his intention to enter the NFL Draft. It's predicted that he will be among the first running backs selected.

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