Ashton Genty is quickly becoming one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, and it all starts with his unorthodox approach to the game. Known for his incredible speed, explosive power, and uncanny vision, Genty has made a name for himself not just with his playmaking, but with his unique pre-snap stance. The so-called “Michael Myers stance,” as analysts have dubbed it, has become his signature move, sparking fascination and admiration from fans, coaches, and players alike. It’s a stance that defies traditional football techniques, yet has proven to be one of the key elements of his success. This stance, combined with his journey from humble beginnings, has shaped him into the unstoppable force he is today.

Born into a military family, Genty’s early life was anything but stable. His father’s service in the Navy meant frequent relocations, from Florida to Virginia to Naples, Italy. In each new place, Genty was forced to adapt, relying on his football talent to keep him grounded. But it wasn’t until he returned to the United States and settled in Texas that he found his true calling. At Lonear High School, Genty proved his versatility, playing multiple positions, from linebacker to slot receiver, and eventually excelling as a running back. His senior year was nothing short of historic, with over 2,200 rushing yards and 40 total touchdowns. His performances against powerhouse teams like Alto and Denton Ryan caught the attention of college scouts, even though his 5’8 frame didn’t fit the prototype for a top-tier running back.

Despite the doubts surrounding his size, Boise State took a chance on Genty, offering him the opportunity he had long desired. Genty’s time at Boise State was transformative. As a freshman, he immediately made an impact, rushing for 821 yards and seven touchdowns. But it was during his sophomore and junior years that Genty truly broke out, racking up over 2,600 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. His playstyle became synonymous with power, balance, and relentless determination. Yet, it wasn’t just his natural talent that set him apart—it was his stance.

The “Michael Myers stance” is something that Genty perfected during his time at Boise State. Unlike most running backs who adopt a low, crouched position to generate power, Genty stood tall and calm before the snap. His upright posture was a stark contrast to the traditional approach, and at first, many analysts were skeptical. But Genty’s natural ability to accelerate and change direction from that stance was unparalleled. His smooth, calculated movements allowed him to read the defense in ways others couldn’t. It was a stance that felt unorthodox, yet proved to be highly effective. In 2024, his incredible efficiency earned him All-American honors and a Doak Walker Award nomination.

The NFL draft in 2025 saw Genty selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the sixth overall pick. Despite the skepticism surrounding his draft selection, the Raiders were drawn to his unique skill set and explosive playmaking ability. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll saw the potential in Genty’s ability to bring both power and speed to their offense. But the moment he arrived in Las Vegas, Genty’s unorthodox stance became a point of contention.

Coaches immediately began trying to modify his pre-snap posture, pushing him to adopt a more traditional, bent-knee position that would better suit their system. For the first few weeks, Genty complied. However, his performance suffered. His natural rhythm, the flow he had developed through years of playing with his unique stance, was disrupted. The change in posture made his movements feel unnatural, and it was evident on the field. The numbers didn’t lie—his rushing yards dropped, his vision slowed, and his overall play wasn’t as explosive as it had been in college.

By week four, Genty made the decision to return to his original stance, the one that had helped him excel in college. The results were immediate. With a confident, calm demeanor and his unique upright posture, Genty turned in a dominating performance, rushing for 138 yards and two touchdowns against the Chicago Bears. The “Michael Myers stance” was back, and so was the explosiveness. Genty’s hips were cleaner, his feet lighter, and his vision on the field was restored. The difference was visible not just to Genty, but to everyone watching. Once again, he was a player who was nearly impossible to stop.

In the weeks that followed, Genty’s performance continued to improve. He was no longer just a player who relied on speed; he had become a complete weapon. His vision was impeccable, his contact balance elite, and his ability to break tackles, while not the biggest back in the league, made him a nightmare for defenders. His plays were surgical, exploiting gaps in the defense with the precision of a veteran. The Raiders, who had initially doubted him, quickly realized they had drafted a game-changer.

Genty’s ability to adapt while maintaining his natural style of play became one of the key factors in the Raiders’ offensive resurgence. The team leaned into his strengths, utilizing more outside zone and counter runs, allowing him to work in space and dictate the tempo of the game. By midseason, Genty was averaging 5.4 yards per carry and had amassed 445 rushing yards and three touchdowns in just seven games. His ability to control the pace of the game and his fearlessness in the open field made him one of the league’s most exciting players to watch.

The evolution of Genty’s game didn’t stop with his individual performance. He became the heart and soul of the Raiders’ offense, driving the team to new heights. His presence on the field created space for other players to shine, including wide receiver Davante Adams and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The Raiders’ offense had become more than just a unit—it was a force, and Genty was its driving engine.

Off the field, Genty remained humble and focused. His commitment to improving his game, his drive to overcome adversity, and his willingness to learn from his mistakes made him a fan favorite in Las Vegas. His journey from a military family in Florida, to high school football in Texas, to becoming an NFL sensation was one of resilience, hard work, and an unyielding passion for the game. He wasn’t just an athlete; he was a story of overcoming odds, of defying expectations, and of letting his unique style shine through.

As the 2025 season continues, Genty is quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. His ability to be both explosive and efficient is making him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his leadership on the field is undeniable. The “Michael Myers stance” is no longer just a talking point; it’s a symbol of his rise to greatness—a reminder that sometimes the most unconventional methods are the ones that lead to success.

In the end, Ashton Genty’s story is one of reinvention, not just of his stance but of his approach to the game. He’s a player who didn’t just adapt to the NFL; he changed the way the game is played, proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to trust your instincts and stay true to yourself. Whether it’s with the ball in his hands or in his unique pre-snap stance, Genty has become a force to be reckoned with—and the NFL is taking notice.