Rex Ryan slams Raiders' Ashton Jeanty as “soft as Charmin” before Jets‑Raiders clash

Ryan’s remarks came after Jeanty said Jets defenders were reluctant to tackle, reigniting a feud ahead of Sunday’s game.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 01 Nov 2026 19:01:01 GMT

Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan publicly attacked Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty on the "Sunday NFL Countdown" broadcast on Sunday, calling him “soft as Charmin” and “the worst draft pick in the last 20 years,” according to Bleacher Report and the New York Post.

What happened

During the pre‑game segment, Ryan responded to Jeanty’s earlier comment that some Jets defenders “don’t really want to tackle.” Ryan said he would confront Jeanty before kickoff and warned that the Raiders’ back would “get his ass kicked.” He added that Jeanty was averaging just over three yards per carry and labeled him a poor draft choice. The remarks were made hours before the Jets host the Raiders at MetLife Stadium.

What the reports add

Bleacher Report noted that Jeanty has logged 1,303 rushing yards and six touchdowns over 24 games, with an average of 3.5 yards per carry, and recorded only 15 yards in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The New York Post, however, cited a season total of 328 yards and one touchdown for Jeanty’s second NFL season and a 3.1‑yard per‑carry average. Both outlets reported the Jets rank 24th‑25th in rushing defense, surrendering roughly 128 yards per game.

What was said

Rex Ryan told the "Sunday NFL Countdown" panel, “I’m going right up to him [before the game] and I say, ‘I heard what you said, and I want you to know something… We are not gonna try to take you out of the game because you’re horrible. You’re about the worst draft pick in the last 20 years, you stink.’” (New York Post). He also warned, “If we had a fight, there’d be a non‑hitter, and that’d be him.” (Bleacher Report). Jeanty’s original comment, reported by Felo News on October 28, was that “some Jets defenders seem reluctant to tackle.” (Context Pack).

How it came about

Jeanty’s criticism of the Jets defense was published by Felo News on October 28, prompting a response from Ryan, who has been a vocal critic of the team he once coached. The tension follows Ryan’s recent media appearances while he is reportedly in talks for the University of Maryland head‑coaching vacancy, a story Felo covered on October 31. The upcoming Jets‑Raiders matchup at MetLife Stadium is the first meeting between the two sides since the comments were made.

Key facts

Rex Ryan called Ashton Jeanty "soft as Charmin" and the worst draft pick in 20 years. (bleacherreport.com)
Jeanty said some Jets defenders lack willingness to tackle.
The Jets rank 24th‑25th in rushing defense, allowing about 128 yards per game. (bleacherreport.com)

Where accounts differ

Jeanty's rushing totals and yards‑per‑carry average: Through 24 games he has 1,303 yards, six touchdowns, 3.5 yards per carry. (bleacherreport.com); He has 328 yards and one touchdown in his second season, averaging 3.1 yards per carry. (nypost.com)