Ashton Hall, once a college football player, has traded the gridiron for the digital arena, achieving viral fame with his unconventional and much-discussed morning routine. But who is Ashton Hall, and how did he transition from pursuing NFL aspirations to becoming a fitness influencer known for his bizarre 4 AM rituals?
Ashton Hall: From Football Field to Fitness Influencer
Before the banana peels and ice baths, Ashton Hall was a young athlete with dreams of playing professional football.
- Early Athletic Pursuits: Hall played running back at First Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida. In his senior year (2013), he rushed for 152 yards and three touchdowns.
- College Football Career at Alcorn State: Hall’s college football career at Alcorn State University was short-lived. He played in five games between 2014 and 2015, recording only six carries for eight yards.
- NFL Dream and Subsequent Depression: Hall’s aspirations of playing in the NFL didn’t materialize, leading to a period of depression. He had dedicated his life to football from a young age, and the realization that it wasn’t going to happen was crushing.
The Viral Morning Routine: A Calculated Spectacle?
Hall’s claim to fame in 2025 is undoubtedly his elaborate and eccentric morning routine, a video of which went viral, sparking both amusement and skepticism.
- The Routine: Starting at 3:52 a.m., Hall’s routine includes a series of unusual activities, such as:
- Dunking his face in ice water (using Saratoga Spring Water).
- Rubbing a banana peel on his face.
- Journaling.
- Working out.
- Meditating.
- Diving into a pool.
- Viral Sensation: The video, originally posted on Instagram and later shared on X (formerly Twitter), garnered millions of views and spawned countless parodies and memes.
- Is It Real?: The authenticity of Hall’s routine has been questioned, with some suggesting it’s a performance designed to attract attention and engagement. Discrepancies in the video’s timestamps have fueled these suspicions.
- “Hustle-Bro” Influencer: Hall has been categorized as a “hustle-bro” influencer, employing potentially divisive content and sales funnels to promote his online fitness coaching business and workout supplements.
Building a Brand: From Fitness Trainer to Social Media Star
Despite the ridicule, Hall’s viral fame has significantly boosted his social media presence and brand recognition.
- Transition to Fitness Training: After his football dreams faded, Hall transitioned to fitness training, working at a gym.
- Social Media Ascent: When gyms closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hall began posting workout routines on Instagram, quickly gaining a large following.
- Massive Following: Hall now boasts millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Monetization: Hall leverages his social media presence to promote his online coaching programs, workout supplements, and merchandise. He reportedly charges brands $10,000 per post.
- Brand Partnerships: Hall has partnered with brands like MuscleTech, 247 Represent, Reign, and 1stPhorm.
- “Sales Funnel” Strategy: Hall utilizes a “sales funnel” approach, creating content to attract new audiences and convert them into paying customers for his coaching programs.
Controversy and Criticism
Hall’s rise to fame hasn’t been without controversy.
- Eviction Allegations: In March 2025, reports surfaced that Hall was served an eviction notice for allegedly subleasing his apartment illegally and cloning building fobs. Hall has not publicly addressed these allegations.
- Skepticism About Authenticity: Many viewers are skeptical about the genuineness of Hall’s morning routine and his overall persona, viewing it as a carefully crafted performance for social media.
Hall’s Response to the Attention
Despite the criticism and parodies, Hall seems to be embracing the attention and using it to his advantage.
- “Ignore the Noise”: Hall has responded to the viral attention by encouraging his followers to “ignore the noise” and keep pursuing their goals.
- Celebrating Growth: He has celebrated the growth of his Instagram following, which has surged since the video went viral.
- Saratoga Partnership?: Saratoga Spring Water, prominently featured in Hall’s videos, has reportedly contacted him.
From Football to Fame: The Calculated Rise of Ashton Hall
Ashton Hall’s journey is a testament to the power of social media and the ever-evolving landscape of fame. While his NFL dreams may have fallen short, he has successfully repurposed his athletic drive and physique to create a lucrative career as a fitness influencer. Whether his viral morning routine is authentic or a calculated performance, it has undoubtedly captured the internet’s attention, solidifying Ashton Hall’s place in the digital spotlight.
