“I like to say that I’m a Christian cleverly disguised as an All-American running back.” That might be the best way to describe Ashton Jeanty. The famous Boise State’s star RB has a story behind his jaw-dropping stats. And if you are wondering what makes him tick – you are in the right place. So, let’s just dive in and get to know the guy who is breaking records and setting the record books on fire.

What is Ashton Jeanty’s ethnicity?

The Boise State RB was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, but his roots trace back to Haiti, a heritage he embraces with pride. His ethnicity is a huge part of his identity and he publicly gives credit to it. “It’s something I carry with me every time I step on the field. I know I’m not just playing for myself—I’m playing for my family, my community, and everyone who looks up to me.” 

He speaks about his heritage with pride and his success throws a light on the rich talent emerging from the Haitian American community. Jeanty is an absolute beast on the field – turning heads in college football. He narrowly missed out on the Heisman trophy – finished second to Colorado’s Travis Hunter. But still, Ashton Jeanty remains determined – “I really felt like I should’ve walked away with the award, but kudos to Travis for winning,” he told ESPN. “But yeah, it’s simple as that. Work harder, go harder.”

And harder he will. As he said, “This isn’t the end; this is just the beginning. I’ve got a lot more to accomplish.” He was just 28 yards away (with 2,601 rushing yards this season) from breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record – 2,628 yards, set in 1988. And that milestone could have been achieved if Boise State had won the match against Penn State Nittany Lions in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2024.

But one thing is guaranteed – he is perfectly representing the growing influence of Haitian athletes in American football. With each game, he takes the legacy forward – proving that hard work and dedication pay off.

What is Ashton Jeanty’s religion?

The way he now talks about his journey shows that he is a devout Christian and strongly believes that his transformation and talent are due to his relationship with God. “I’ve learned that God has blessed me with amazing talents. I’ve just been able to do a lot of great things with it. But at the same time, not losing yourself in it.” 

But it wasn’t always like this. He never really understood what it meant to have a relationship with God. “My mom and dad instilled faith in me as a kid just growing up you know I never really understood what it meant to have a relationship with God. Umm, you know I felt that I was being more religious than spiritual. I decided one day that um you know, I was going to open my heart up to God. um and really let there be changed.” And this he realised when he faced personal struggles in life.

Jeanty shared, “My first year here was definitely my hardest year—being away from family, coming thousands of miles to Boise where it’s cold—I mean, I’m from Texas, I like the hot weather. So there was just a lot of change I had to deal with, and I fell into a deep depression.”

Feeling lost, he decided to take the path of faith. “Once I decided to give my life to Him and change my ways, it’s been an ultimate transformation.” And his Boise State community became a strong support for him – coaches, teammates and even just people around the city encouraged him on his spiritual journey.

Now, he feels that he was just a boy before his spiritual journey. And it is this journey that made him the man he is today. “He’s changed my views, my personality. I felt that I wasn’t really a man before – I was just a boy. But now I feel as I’m a man and a man of God.”

So, the guy is impressive. He recently took home the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award. But for him, his life is more than just football as he believes – that one doesn’t have to be perfect to come to God. But just have faith in him and he will change your life – he says that with experience.