Over the past year, Jayden Daniels has emerged as a household name after winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
Daniels has been fantastic as a rookie, turning around the Commanders franchise and seeming like a lock to win the NFL‘s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
But Daniels wouldn’t be here today without his support system, including his loving parents. Here’s everything you need to know about his family.
Get To Know Daniels’ Mother, Regina
Daniels was born in California on Dec. 18, 2000, to Javon “Jay” Daniels and Regina Jackson. During his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, Jayden referred to his mother as his “rock.”
Jackson plays a big role in her son’s life. She has been a major advocate for him, and she recently became a certified agent with the NFLPA so she can support him during his contract negotiations and ensure he’s getting the best representation possible from Ron Butler, who has represented Daniels since the pre-draft process.
Denise White, a public relations specialist for Daniels, said that Regina got certified because she wants to help guide her son off the field.
“It’s important for her to have all that knowledge so she can give her son guidance, which will help him focus on the field and she can help focus off the field for him,” White said.
Jackson reportedly has an MBA in concentration entrepreneurship and a master’s degree in public services administration.
While Jackson is very involved in her son’s life, the Commanders have welcomed her with open arms. In fact, one of Washington’s owners, Mark Davis Ein, recently raved about her.
After the Commanders’ Week 7 game, Ein posted a photo with Regina on his Instagram story with the caption: “So happy that Jaden’s mom is such a big part of this team!”
Regina reshared the story with the caption, “So thankful for the support from an awesome owner group!”
In the past, Jackson hasn’t been afraid to say what’s on her mind about her son’s career. Upon her son’s transfer to LSU, she slammed Arizona State’s football program in a Twitter Spaces, seemingly calling out his former coaches and teammates.
Additionally, she was alleged to have had a role in Arizona State’s recruiting violations. According to a dossier leaked in June 2021, Jackson allegedly bought five plane tickets for recruits and their guardians in March 2021. It’s believed that after purchasing the tickets, she sent them to Sun Devils DB coach Chris Hawkins, who then sent them to other recruits. While the dossier has emails and receipts, she and Hawkins denied any wrongdoing, and Jayden was never punished.
Jackson has said that she was so nervous during her son’s first high school game that she missed his first touchdown because her eyes were closed. Over the years, she has supported her son’s dreams and been by his side throughout every step of his journey.
A proud moment for Jayden Daniels' parents ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HWNsEKaemp
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 26, 2024
After he was drafted by the Commanders, she spoke about what he would bring to the organization.
“They’re getting a great leader, but more [importantly], a better human,” Regina said on the broadcast. “He’s going to do everything he can for Washington.”
Get To Know Daniels’ Father, Javon
Javon played college football in the late 1990s, playing cornerback for Washington and Iowa State.
“Dad, you put a football in my hands when I was young,” Jayden said while addressing his family during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech. “You taught me how to play, lead, and be calm no matter the situation.”
Jayden Daniels’ Heisman speech pic.twitter.com/UlAc34CKkl
— Bay Area Buckeyes & Blue Devils (@CampusSpirit4) December 10, 2023
Jayden joked that his father wanted him to play cornerback, but it all worked out for the best. He acknowledged that he wouldn’t have won the Heisman Trophy without his father’s unwavering support.
Jayden doubled down on his father’s influence on his path to the NFL, explaining at the 2024 NFL Combine: “My dad played Division I football. He coached me, so a football has always been in my hands. He inspired me, and then, going from there, I just fell in love with the game.”
Daniels Was Close With His Grandparents
Jayden was also very close with his grandparents, particularly his grandfather, William. Tragically, William passed away from COVID-19 on Jan. 19, 2021.
Sadly, just three weeks after William’s passing, Jayden’s grandmother, Betty, also passed away. During his junior season, Jayden attended their memorials and shared his emotions during that tough time.
Against UCLA, Jayden wore special cleats to honor his grandparents. After throwing for two touchdowns and nearly 300 yards in the 42-23 victory, Jayden was immediately embraced by his family.