Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels keeps growing his legend by leaps and bounds every day. This time, the Washington Commanders’ undisputed leader flashed a hilarious ability to troll an opponent after a big win.
Daniels is arguably the hottest player in the NFL right now, especially after accounting for 350 total yards and two touchdowns in a 45-31 victory over the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Round. Everything is coming up roses for last year’s Heisman Trophy winner.
Jayden Daniels Throws Shade at Detroit Lions
Daniels — the No. 2 overall pick out of LSU in the 2024 NFL Draft — decided to leave a signed memento of his exploits last week during a jersey swap with Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold. He wrote a six-word message “Cancun on three, 1-2-3,” on the bottom of the shirt, as posted by Bleacher Report, savagely reminding Arnold that he wouldn’t be advancing in the playoffs.
The story of Daniels’ troll job was first revealed by YouTube sensation Donald De La Haye on the “Kicking It With Dee” podcast as Arnold and De La Haye are good friends.
Jayden Daniels had to troll the Lions after beating them 😂🌴
(via @KickinItWithDee) pic.twitter.com/e8EsPQBT6u
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 24, 2025
The viral message from Daniels becomes even funnier in hindsight when looking at what Arnold told his teammates at locker room clean-out day in Detroit a day after the loss.
“We beat ourselves. They did nothing special,” Arnold said, via Detroit Free Press. “And it’s one of those things when you look in the mirror and you say, ‘OK, if we play them today, we come out victorious.'”
Daniels Named PFWA Rookie of the Year
It’s been quite the year for the electrifying rookie quarterback, leading Washington to two upset road playoff wins and a spot in the NFC Championship Game. Daniels and the Commanders will battle the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in Philadelphia.
Before that matchup, Daniels received news that he had been named the NFL Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America. He earned the prestigious award after throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, with an additional 891 yards and six scores on the ground.
READ MORE: Daniels’ Mother, Regina, Reveals the Biggest Fear She Has for Son Amid Success
He became the first player in NFL history to record over 1,000 passing yards and over 250 rushing yards in his first five career games earlier this season. His 69.0% completion percentage and 891 rushing yards were both new rookie quarterback records.
Growing Up an Eagles Fan, Daniels Loved Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick
How about this for irony? Daniels was an Eagles fan as a child despite growing up in Southern California due to his affection for former Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Young Jayden Daniels 💚 @JayD__5 pic.twitter.com/sbmAPqMvEN
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) January 24, 2025
Daniels called McNabb an “inspiration” in an interview with “Boardroom,” listing Michael Vick and Reggie Bush as other top talents he idolized. Outside of football, he adored the late, great Kobe Bryant.
“When I was younger my favorite quarterback was Donovan McNabb, and I had his Philadelphia Eagles jersey,” Daniels told Hod Rabino in 2019. “He wore No. 5, and that is why I picked that jersey number.”