Jayden Daniels: Rising NFL Star with Historic College Roots

ASHBURN, Va. — In his first news conference as a member of the Washington Commanders, quarterback Jayden Daniels addressed the media with confidence and laughter. The former LSU quarterback, drafted No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, referenced a standout college performance against Florida when asked about his ability to “take the soul away from a defense.” “Just turn on the tape and watch that game,” Daniels replied, referring to his historic performance on November 11, 2023, where he set an SEC record with 606 all-purpose yards.

During that game, Daniels threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 234 yards and two scores, leading LSU to a 52-35 victory over Florida. This performance propelled him to the forefront of the Heisman Trophy race, an accolade he ultimately secured. Washington Commanders General Manager Adam Peters highlighted this game as proof of Daniels’ “soul-stealing impact” on defenses, emphasizing the combination of his accurate passing and electric running ability expected to rejuvenate the struggling franchise.

Daniels’ prowess was further evident during his early NFL games, where he rushed for 88 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in the season opener and led multiple scoring drives against the New York Giants the following week. As the Commanders aim for a strong comeback following a 4-13 season, both Peters and the team’s new head coach Dan Quinn see Daniels as a central figure in the rebuild.

Daniels’ performance against Florida was particularly remarkable given his circumstances. Leading into the game, he had been in concussion protocol after an injury suffered during a loss to Alabama. Despite uncertainties surrounding his health, Daniels showcased resilience and skill, as noted by former Florida offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton, who is now a Commanders assistant. “Our defensive coordinator was slightly optimistic he wouldn’t play, but he lit it up,” Stapleton remarked.

Among the standout plays was an 85-yard touchdown run by Daniels, initiated by a read-option play that exploited the defensive weaknesses of Florida. Commentators and players alike were astounded by his speed and vision during the run. LSU radio play-by-play announcer Chris Blair described Daniels as “floating,” emphasizing the separation he created from defenders.

Daniels also demonstrated his ability to read defenses, using his eyes to manipulate coverage and connect on long passes. This included a 37-yard touchdown to wide receiver Brian Thomas, a play that former LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock described as a “done deal” given the defensive look Daniels had assessed.

The budding quarterback has been compared to dual-threat predecessors like Michael Vick and Cam Newton, known for their rushing capabilities. Daniels aims to break records as he continues to perform in the NFL, already on track to surpass Robert Griffin III‘s rookie rushing record.

With a lack of turnovers in his initial two games, Daniels has outshone other rookie quarterbacks in the league, showcasing potential both from the pocket and on foot. His next opportunity to impress will be against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking another step in his promising career trajectory.