Jayden Daniels has quickly become a household name, not just for his fiery performances on the field but for the incredible story behind the man. As the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and the Washington Commanders’ No. 2 overall pick, Daniels is already reshaping the franchise and appears destined to claim the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year title.
However, the question remains — who is Daniels when the spotlight dims? Let’s find out.
Jayden Daniels’ Parents and Siblings
Daniels was born in Fontana, California, on Dec. 18, 2000, to Javon “Jay” Daniels and Regina Jackson. His father played college football as a cornerback in the late 1990s, and his mother has been a constant source of strength and guidance.
During his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, Daniels described Jackson as his “rock” for her role in his life.
Rising star Jayden Daniels celebrated his mom with all star treatment with us to get draft day ready 💎 pic.twitter.com/ikru90DMxq
— Jason of Beverly Hills 💎 (@JasonofBH) April 26, 2024
In 2024, Jackson became an NFLPA-certified agent so she can assist his reps and ensure her son receives the best representation during contract negotiations. Daniels also credits his late paternal grandparents for shaping his values. Their passing from COVID-19 in 2021 was a profound loss, but it did not prevent Daniels from persevering.
Daniels has two sisters, Bianca and Janae, and one brother, Jordan. Together, the family has supported the Commanders QB through every stage of his journey, from college stardom to NFL glory.
Daniels’ Net Worth: A Rookie Contract With Big Rewards
Selected second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Commanders, Daniels signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $37.75 million, including a $24.3 million signing bonus. His annual salary averages $9.4 million, a bargain by NFL standards.
Before the NFL, Daniels was already a top earner due to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, securing $2.2 million annually through endorsements with brands like Powerade, Beats Electronics, and Urban Outfitters.
His financial success has also made him a community figure. San Bernardino, Calif., honored him with a key to the city and named a football stadium after him, declaring Jan. 20 as “Jayden Daniels Day.”
Daniels’ First Big Purchase
When asked about his first major purchases, Daniels didn’t hesitate to explain that they were actually gifts for his loved ones. “I’m buying cars for my mom and grandma,” said Daniels via “All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson.”
Daniels’ Favorite Player Growing Up
Daniels’ love for football traces back to his admiration for former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
As a child, Daniels proudly wore McNabb’s No. 5 jersey. This also became a number he later adopted for himself. McNabb’s dual-threat playing style heavily influenced Daniels’ approach to the game.
More About Daniels
Daniels holds an undergraduate degree from Arizona State and pursued a Master of Liberal Arts at LSU. His college years were a whirlwind of achievements, including starring in the NIL-focused docuseries “The Money Game: LSU.”
Beyond his academic and athletic pursuits, Daniels is a devout Christian who values community involvement. He threw a ceremonial first pitch for the MLB’s Washington Nationals and co-presented the Best Play Award at the “2024 ESPY Awards.”
Daniels has worked hard to reach where he is today, and his achievements — from a Heisman Trophy winner to an NFL star — reflect his dedication, talent, and family’s support. As he continues to excel, his story remains one in the making.
Eagles vs. Commanders Game Preview
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Date: Jan. 26, Sunday
- Channel: Fox/Fox Deportes
With one more win, Daniels can become the first rookie quarterback to start in the Super Bowl. Daniels will be the sixth rookie QB to start in the Conference Championship Round; the prior five went 0-5 and performed disastrously.
Including the playoffs, Daniels ranks first in EPA per dropback when blitzed (0.36). While still effective against standard pass rushes, his EPA per dropback drops to 0.10 (13th) in those situations.
During this playoff run, Daniels became the first rookie QB in NFL history to record 275 passing yards and 50 rushing yards in a playoff win, the first rookie to beat a No. 1 seed since Joe Flacco in 2008, and the third rookie QB to win two road playoff games (joining Flacco and Mark Sanchez).
Now, Daniels will face an Eagles defense that blitzes at the second-lowest rate of any team this season, including playoffs. During their two regular-season matchups, Daniels punished the Eagles’ blitz, producing an incredible 1.03 EPA (Expected Points Added) per dropback and 14.5 yards per attempt when blitzed.
Philadelphia only blitzed him on 14 of his 84 dropbacks (17%) in those games. Against their non-blitz pass rush, Daniels was far less effective, averaging a modest -0.02 EPA per dropback.
Saquon Barkley had significant success against Washington. In their two matchups, Barkley rushed for 451 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry.
However, the Commanders found a way to limit Barkley in Week 16 after Jalen Hurts left the game in the first quarter, forcing Kenny Pickett to step in. Over the final three quarters, Barkley managed just 41 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Before Hurts’ injury, Barkley had been averaging over 7.7 yards per carry against Washington.
If Hurts is limited by his left leg injury, the Commanders could focus on loading up against Barkley to contain the Eagles’ rushing attack. By committing additional resources to stop Barkley, they might aim to force Hurts to rely more on his passing game, testing his mobility and effectiveness with the injury.
The Eagles have leaned heavily on Barkley and Hurts’ rushing abilities to generate offense in the playoffs. Through two games, 70.9% of their total yards have come on the ground.
The Commanders will play in the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991. Only the Browns, who last appeared in a Conference Championship Game in 1989, endured a longer drought.
Washington went 4-13 (.235) last year, marking the fourth-worst win percentage in the season prior to making a Conference Championship appearance, trailing only the 2017 Jaguars (0.188), 2006 Saints (0.188), and 1967 Oilers (0.214).
The Eagles lost two games in September and have lost one game since — at Washington in Week 16 after Hurts exited early with a concussion. In that loss, Philadelphia became the first team to score 21 points in the first quarter in a losing effort since the 2019 Texans (during the Divisional Round on the road against the Chiefs).
PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the Eagles a 61.8% chance of winning this game while the Commanders have 38.2% odds.
