The Las Vegas Raiders are no strangers to high-stakes decisions, but this year’s NFL Draft has taken a personal turn for new general manager John Spytek — thanks to his 10-year-old son.
With the sixth overall pick in hand, Spytek is feeling the heat not just from Raiders fans or analysts but from inside his own home. His son, Jack, has made it crystal clear who he thinks should be the pick when the Raiders go on the clock: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Raiders GM’s Son Threatens Family Breakup Over Draft Pick, Confronts Mark Davis
In a moment straight out of a movie script, Jack Spytek stormed into Raiders headquarters recently and lobbied for Jeanty to be taken at No. 6 — and this wasn’t just a playful suggestion. Jack meant business.
The Raiders GM shared the story during a spot on SiriusXM NFL Radio (via Ari Meirov) at the NFL Annual League Meetings. According to the GM, Jack was so committed to his choice that he threatened to abandon the family if his dad passed on the Boise State star.
“My oldest son has made it no secret that if we don’t pick Ashton Jeanty at six, that he’s walking out on the family, and he’s going to find somebody else, probably whoever takes Ashton,” Spytek said. “Jack is motivated by fantasy football and touchdowns. He walked right into our building and basically told Mark Davis that if my dad doesn’t take Ashton Jeanty, he’s doing a bad job.”
#Raiders GM John Spytek: “My son has made it no secret that if we don’t pick Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 that he’s walking out of the family and he's gonna find somebody else. … He basically told Mark Davis if my dad doesn’t take him he’s doing a bad job.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/RMusArRywO
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 2, 2025
Ashton Jeanty: Best Running Back in NFL Draft Class
Jeanty isn’t just some fantasy football favorite. He was the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2024 and piled up 56 touchdowns in his college career. Known for his speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss, Jeanty is considered by many to be the best running back in the 2025 draft.
The Raiders finished last in rushing yards last season, and Jeanty could instantly change that. Pro Football Sports Network’s Brentley Weissman called him “a highly elusive running back who makes it very challenging to square up against.”
Of course, taking a running back in the top 10 always sparks debate — especially in today’s NFL. Critics argue the Raiders should shore up their defense or offensive line instead. But Jeanty’s all-around talent might make him too hard to pass up.
PFSN’s Jacob Infante wrote that Jeanty “would be a great fit for a coach like Pete Carroll, who leans on the run game.”
As April’s draft draws closer, all eyes will be on Spytek. Whether he listens to analysts, scouts, or his 10-year-old son, the pick at No. 6 could shape the Raiders’ future — and his family dinners — for years to come.