Jayden Daniels is a superstar. He's carried himself as such from the moment he joined the Washington Commanders and shows no signs of slowing down.
Daniels has completely transformed the Commanders. His natural aura, swagger, and relentless work ethic have revolutionized the team's mindset on and off the field. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft earned the respect of teammates quickly. His exceptional performance levels gained national attention and propelled him into the NFL MVP conversation once upon a time.
The Commanders are in playoff contention. Winning one or two of their remaining three games will be enough depending on results elsewhere. Regardless of how things go, this storied franchise is in the best possible hands with Daniels leading the charge.
Magic Johnson credits Jayden Daniels for turning the Commanders around
This was a sentiment echoed by part-owner Magic Johnson. The basketball icon turned business mogul threw lavish praise at Daniels' door during an appearance on Fox Sports 1 show Speak. Not only for his on-field performance levels but also for the way he's conducted himself since joining the organization.
"He's turned the Commanders franchise around. We were not selling out before this young man showed up. 9-5 in second place. Primed, hopefully, to be in the playoffs. He's broken so many records. But also, he's a good dude. A good young man, good for the National Football League, and good for young players coming up behind him to say, "That's how I should conduct myself as a young man". First one into the building, last one to leave. He's putting in the work. The veterans have rallied around and supported him because this dude is so unselfish. He never gives himself credit. He's always crediting someone else. We are really happy."Magic Johnson
.@MagicJohnson: Jayden Daniels has turned the Commanders' franchise around. pic.twitter.com/bb2gneACVX
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) December 19, 2024
This is high praise. Johnson's reached the pinnacle of the sports and business worlds. He knows a good thing when he sees one and doesn't suffer fools gladly. His belief in Daniels is further proof that the Commanders made the right call.
Daniels turned 24 years old this week. He's got a bright future if the Commanders maximize his rookie contract. They must surround him with better weapons before the signal-caller is due what could potentially be a record-breaking extension in the coming years. That's the least he deserves.
That will be the furthest thing from Daniels' mind right now. The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU is firmly focused on getting Washington into the postseason for the first time since 2020. And if the Commanders perform as they have overall this season, not many will fancy taking them on in the knockout rounds.
Johnson's comments capture the overall feeling around Daniels. The fanbase took the signal-caller to their hearts instantly. His pre-draft critics came around, throwing their support behind the Cajon High School product. They are dreaming big thanks in no small part to his outstanding start.
The Commanders must do their part to ensure Daniels meets raised expectations. Johnson's seal of approval is nice, but talk is cheap for the dynamic dual-threat.
Daniels is all about action. And the Commanders will go as far as he takes them.