Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will wear the No. 5 jersey thanks to the generosity of All-Pro punter Tress Way. While speaking to reporters last week, Daniels explained the significance of wearing the same number he wore at LSU.
“It’s significant not only to me but to [Way] also,” Daniels said. “Him allowing me to wear it meant a lot that he was able to pass it to me, pass the torch obviously with the agreements. He didn’t have to come off the number. …He’s a captain, All-Pro, Pro Bowl player. He means lot to the DMV, to this organization. For him to be able to allow me to wear the number shows that he has my back, and he’s excited.”
Way has been with the Commanders since 2014 after signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2013. In his 10 seasons in Washington, Way was selected to the All-Pro Second Team in 2019 and the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2022.
“I just feel like there’s just so much excitement around this organization, hands down the most I have ever seen,” Way said on why he gave No. 5 to Daniels, per Commanders.com. “All of the excitement [is] building and building and building. I just feel like this is…a very small part that I could do.”
Jayden Daniels is ready to be the face of the Commadners
Daniels was selected by the Commanders at No. 2 overall after having a memorable 2023 season at LSU. He won nearly every major individual award, including the Heisman Trophy, last year after throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns while rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Tigers.
“I just can’t wait to get to work,” Daniels told reporters shortly after he was drafted. “That’s the biggest thing. And thank God, I wouldn’t be here without them, and thank you to my family supporting me, believing in me and sacrificing, man. I appreciate you guys.”
Daniels also explained why he’s ready for the role of being a franchise quarterback. “I mean, God put me in this place for a reason,” he explained. “My life is already written out. He got a plan, I’m just following it. But that comes with the work. At the end of the day, nothing is given to me. It is not a given I’m a starter Week 1. I got to go out, I got to earn it. I got to put in the work. I got to learn the playbook, earn the respect of my teammates, and go out there and try to win football games.”
