Everyone's got an opinion on Jayden Daniels. The Washington Commanders quarterback propelled himself into the national limelight quickly following a sensational start to his NFL journey. This came with adulation aplenty thanks to polished production and poise beyond his years.
Daniels knows that his story is just beginning. He's saying all the right things, eager to remind people that he remains a rookie and still has a lot to learn. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft also wants the coaching staff to keep pushing him toward some short and long-term objectives they've set before the campaign began.
Keeping Daniels' feet on the ground should be a straightforward exercise. He's got an old head on young shoulders. The Commanders also constructed a strong support system around the Heisman Trophy winner in readiness for his arrival.
Cam Newton offers Jayden Daniels sound advice after phenomenal start
There will be times of struggle despite a meteoric rise to prominence. Former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton had some sound advice for Daniels during his latest podcast, urging the former LSU standout to keep faith with the process that got him this far, ignore the outside noise, and ensure this is just the start of something truly special.
"Don't drink the Kool-Aid. Trust me, it's a trap. Whatever the f--- you've been doing, keep doing. Don't listen to how they build you up. Lock the f--- in, and keep playing your ass off. That's the only thing I would be able to tell him right now. So understand this, Jayden Daniels. You're playing great football, do not buy into the hype. It's a long season. We've only completed a quarter of the season. Can you keep it up?"
- Cam Newton
Newton is one of many who sees something in Daniels. He's been to the mountain-top and was the face of the NFL for a brief period with the Carolina Panthers in 2015 during their memorable run to the Super Bowl. Things went downhill quickly after that, which is something the Commanders are looking to avoid with their new prized possession.
Those in power believed in Daniels early in their pre-draft assessments. They knew about his talent. They were more impressed by his mentality and overall character than anything else. That's exactly what it was going to take to spearhead this ambitious rebuild.
Nobody is getting complacent. The Commanders don't have that luxury after wallowing in the football wilderness for so long. This exceptional start counts for nothing if it cannot be sustained. This is the message ringing through the building right now. Daniels will be stressing this more than anybody.
If the Commanders somehow beat the Baltimore Ravens this weekend, preventing fans from getting ahead of themselves will be impossible. That won't be the case for Daniels, who'll stay professional and keep improving on his quest to become the NFL's best.
This elite-level mindset is what attracted the Commanders to Daniels in the first place. That's not going to change just because praise is being showered on the rookie phenom.
If anything, it'll make Daniels even more motivated to push the high bar he's set for himself even further. That's a scary thought.
