One-on-One with New York Giants Running Back Rashad Jennings

Rashad Jennings turned 30 in March this year. For NFL running backs, 30 years old is a dreaded wall. It’s a time when their best years are usually behind them and the end is eminent.

Jennings, who has never played a full 16-game season in his career, is not fearful at all of being 30 and a running back. He is obsessed with nutrition and feels he has yet to peak in the NFL. But he is also coming off an ankle injury.

In training camp, he has been running with both the first- and second-team offense. One thing is for certain: He is extremely confident that his health will not be an issue this year and he has high hopes for the Giants in 2015.

Bleacher Report: How are you feeling?

Rashad Jennings: I feel great, man. It’s back to football.

B/R: Are you moving around well with your ankle?

RJ: What ankle? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Just kidding, I’m back to 100 percent, back to normal.

B/R: Speaking of injuries, I’m sure you’ve been asked a million times, but have you spoken with JPP, and if so, what about?

RJ: Yes, I’ve just encouraged him. I first think about the situation with him as a human first. He’s a father. He’s a brother to people. He’s a human being. Secondly I see him as my teammate, so prayers go out to him. I’ve reached out to him letting him know I’m here if he needs me. I told him we’re rooting for him and we can’t wait until he gets back. We’re going to joke with him when it’s back to football. But right now he has to do what he has to do.

B/R: Did he give you any time frame?

RJ: No, I have no idea what the situation is other than he’s getting back as soon as he can. That’s all I know.

B/R: Last year was your first year as well as the new offensive coordinator’s Ben McAdoo’s first year. How have you seen this team grow since last year?

RJ: A lot in so many places. Last year we did a lot of things well. It was just overshadowed by what we didn’t do so well. Last year we installed a system, but this year we get to actually run our offense. That’s the big difference with it.

B/R: You have some weapons on offense. Odell Beckham Jr. starting his second year, Cruz is healthy and Eli looks like he has a few extra miles per hour on his throws. How have you seen the growth of those guys in this offense so far in training camp?

RJ: Continual. Guys are just comfortable with what they’re doing, and that allows you to play faster. It’s a difference of figuring out where to line up versus let’s make plays. You get more command from Eli in the huddle and then are able to take charge at the line of scrimmage. That makes us versatile. Every position on the offense has gotten deeper. That allows us to be fresh. What Odell does is special. He works hard. Cruz is a special guy. He works hard. Eli’s special, and he works hard. Everybody’s special, and the common denominator is how hard they work.

B/R: Have you been surprised at the rockstar status Odell Beckham has attained in just 12 NFL games? 

RJ: Not a bit. He’s a good player. I remember the first time I watched him at OTAs last year, he ran a little slant and the way he caught the ball. I remember tapping Peyton Hillis and saying, "Hey, did you see that?" (laughs). I said, "Man, that kid could be good." When he was hurt, no one saw him anymore. But when he made that catch, I remember I found Peyton (Hillis) and I said, "I told you." He’s a good player. But what separates him from what the media wants to shine on him is when he was hurt, he came up to me and said, "Rashad, I like the way you work. I like the way you take care of your body. Teach me how to take care of my body." This is when he was hurt. And for that, as a veteran, I give him more respect for because that’s someone who wants to sustain. I’m more impressed by that than the Madden and all the other stuff. I mean, we’re in New York, so yeah, that type of thing is going to happen when you’re successful.

B/R: What rookies this year have befriended you and asked you for advice?

RJ: I met Ereck Flowers in the offseason before he was even drafted here. I had no idea we were going to be on the same team, but we were training with each other. He was one of the guys that pulled me aside and wanted to talk to me. Andre Williams is another guy I’ve taken under my wing. I’ve got a great relationship with a lot of guys on the team. I stay in touch with everyone in the offseason. Devon Kennard always comes out and works with me. Me and Jon Beason, we always do some extra stuff. It’s everywhere. I want to create that culture that we learn from each other.

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

B/R: Is it hard to believe when you look in the mirror and you see that you are 30 years old and you’ve been in the league for seven years. Now you’re a grizzled vet who’s a mentor to these young guys.

RJ: It’s crazy man, it really is. I say it all the time, I can’t believe I’m going into year seven. I was grabbing onto everything just for an opportunity to make it in year one. I was always thankful I wasn’t a kid that just rolled out of bed that had all the talent. Never was a kid that rolled out of bed that had all the academics. I’ve really had to work. Because of that, I get to authentically get to give back and teach. It’s humbling, but yeah, it’s kind of funny to look back and think where I’m at.

B/R: Statistically, when running backs hit the age of 30, they decline. Teams are looking at the shinier, newer, younger running back. How do you feel at age 30 as a seven-year vet?

RJ: I feel like I’m just getting in my prime. I’ve learned how to take care of my body. Learning to take care of your body is kind of like chemistry to a team. You’ll never find a trophy that says "chemistry." But that’s going to be the direct reason you’ll get a trophy. You’re never going to hear that it’s sexy to take care of your body. But that’s the reason you can see your prime later.

B/R: So, what if I offered you a candy bar right now? 

RJ: Man, I can’t even remember the last time I had one. I never drank or smoked a day in my life. I haven’t had fast food or soda or any of that stuff for 10 years. I would definitely say no. I would say, "Thank you, but no thank you." But I’m a gluten-free, casein-free organic eater. I do anything I possibly can. I sleep in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Chiropractic care, I do a lot of little things that helps. You know, having a personal chef and stuff like that. It means a lot to me, so I’ve dedicated a lot to my craft.

B/R: So what did you have for breakfast, lunch and dinner today? 

RJ: My breakfast shake consists everyday of the same stuff. Two sources of protein: raw milk protein, omega protein. Almond or coconut milk, depending how I feel. Oatmeal, peanut butter, banana, flaxseed, hempseed, beta alanine, ice. Vegan chocolate every once in a while.

Lunch, house salad with chicken in it. Depending on the dressing, I might add a fruit. I eat a protein, veggie and a carb. It’s usually a complex carb, never empty. For dinner tonight, I’ll have a steak, sweet potato, broccoli and salad.

B/R: Do you see the Giants having a running back by committee this year?

RJ: There’s an opportunity for a lot. We’ve got a good group of runners in the backfield. I think everyone can be a starter. That’s something I challenged everybody to prepare for. I told Dre (Andre Williams) last year, "Hey Dre, going into this offseason, I want you to come in thinking you’re the starter. That’s the way I want you to train." I think it’s healthy and good for him to get a taste because we’re going to need everybody to go to the championship like we want. Last year was great for his confidence, great to get his feet wet. I was there trying to coach him up the whole way.

Obviously Shane’s (Vereen) a more seasoned guy, great hands out of the backfield. I think he’s a better runner than people want to give credit for. I know he wants to prove that. For me, I feel I’ll continue to showcase that I’m a complete back. That’s healthy for the room. It can be a running back by committee, but that’s irrelevant. Whoever’s in, that’s our guy.

B/R: How have you taken advantage of living in the Big Apple?

RJ: I don’t know where to start. For me, NY is like an adult Toys R Us. I love learning. I’m curious about so much. I get to meet so many different CEOs, the culture, you get to see so many parts of the world in one place. Yeah, I take advantage of it. Every company I want to talk to, I reach out. I go to headquarters, sit down, find ways to connect, find ways to create programs for my foundation. I’m working with Nickelodeon right now creating a cartoon.

B/R: What’s the cartoon you’re developing?

RJ: Ah, man it’s a secret right now. I could tell you about it in a couple of weeks. I can tell you it was intriguing to go behind the scenes to see how they create a cartoon. That was the coolest to me.

B/R: You’re a guy that’s always taking on new things and learning. What’s the latest thing you are teaching yourself?

RJ: I picked up archery this offseason. That’s been phenomenal. You don’t know how important accuracy is. In basketball, if you sitting there draining threes, don’t know how good that is. So, my first time pulling back the bow and really letting it go, I was hitting turkeys in the neck and bears in the face (targets). And people are saying, "That’s not supposed to be happening." So that’s been my offseason brain wrinkle. I picked it up down in Ft. Lauderdale. Every season I learn something new, whether it be picking up the guitar and never putting it down, the piano, card tricks. I taught myself how to write with the opposite hand, the etymology of words, it’s always something. I just can’t hold still. I’m always learning.

B/R: Do any archery skills relate to football?

RJ: Focus. Really be able to focus through weather, though noise, sound, distractions. It’s something cool to have that much tension arched back. And when you let go, whoosh, nothing’s going to stop it. It’s kind of therapeutic to me.

B/R: Do they have archery in NY or NJ?

RJ: I’ve got a spot up here. I’m going to be doing it once camp breaks.

B/R: So on Tuesdays we’ll see you at the archery range?

RJ: Yeah, probably on Monday nights.

B/R: What message do you send to Giants fans this year who are so hungry for a championship?

RJ: Tell them we’re all at the same table hungry. We’ve got the guys in the kitchen cooking for them. It’s exciting. Last year was our first year on the offensive side of the ball. This year’s our second. Personally, this is my first time since my rookie year I’ve been able to say, "I’m going into the same system again." I’ve always had to learn a different one. This allows us to play fast. Me personally, no matter if you’re with the same organization every year or a different organization, you are always on a different TEAM. People come in and out. People grow. This is the best team I’ve been a part of. I’m excited to put it all together.