2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaden Shirden, RB, Monmouth

• Name: Jaden Shirden
• Position: RB
• College: Monmouth
• Height: 5’9
• Weight: 190
• Twitter: @shirden_20
• Instagram: Jrock__20

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

I do things a little differently than most backs. I can score from anywhere on the field. An average of 52.8 yards on TD runs speaks for itself. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Since I was about 2. My father coached high school football, so I was always around it. From there I fell in love with the sport. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

Very hard worker, I am always seeking knowledge of the game and open to criticism. I also try my best to exemplify traits of good character by being humble and nice. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I will say mental health. Mental health is very important and it should be focused more among athletes who play this game. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Keep being you, and remain humble”. It’s the best advice to me because I’m living through that advice and it’s got me here. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My father was my hero. He was a star athlete back in the day and I wanted to be like him. I still look up to him to this day. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

There are a lot of guys on our team that are underrated and really good. They just don’t receive the credit that is due. I cannot single someone out on this. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people do not respect me. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

Not playing that much during my freshman year in the 1st half of that season. Not something I was used to and I had to overcome it. Eventually, I did and I look back at it as a learning experience in my life. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

I connected with professors that guided me through my academic years here. 

What is your favorite snack food?

Pretzels 

What is the best part of football?

The best part of football is when you get into that zone and feel no one can stop you. It’s a feeling you cannot explain to people who don’t play the game. Also, winning just makes the game even more fun. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

The humble assassin. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I would say, Tony Pollard. He can make plays from anywhere on the field and is a big playback. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Barry Sanders, Denzel Washington, and my grandfather. Barry Sanders because he’s my all-time favorite player. I would talk to him about the game and his views on it when he played. Denzel is really that guy. He has so much wisdom and believes in God and I know he can inspire me. Lastly my grandfather James Shirden. I say him because he meant a lot to me and my family. He was a big fan of mine and would talk about my exciting play to people. I would talk to him about everything and just laugh.