Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels recently became the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After Washington’s decision, the quarterback told the NFL Network, “Washington’s going to get everything out of me as a competitor, a hard worker. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and try to help win some football games.”
According to Sports Spectrum, “Daniels’ college career began at Arizona State, where he started 29 games and accounted for 45 total touchdowns over three seasons. He transferred to LSU ahead of the 2022 season and then set new career highs in completions, completion percentage and rushing yards in his first year with the program.” During his time at LSU, Daniels’ relationship with God flourished, thanks, in part, to LSU’s Director of Player Retention, Sherman Wilson.
Daniels said about Wilson, “He’s behind the scenes, but he’s like my right-hand man. Being around him, I kind of got back into my faith more, always giving glory to God. He died on the cross for us; anything is possible with Him. Coming back out here, trying to figure out my life, I wanted to stop trying to put so much pressure on me and just give everything to God, letting Him take care of it.”
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When Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy, he gave all glory to God. He said, “Thank you. This is a dream come true. I want to first give thanks to God for all the glory. He’s my rock, my savior. He blessed me with the talents and ability to get here, all the special people here, to develop these skills. To Bo, Mike, and Marvin, you guys are amazing. I enjoy watching you all, but the competition is never over. I look forward to seeing you guys on Sundays.” Since reconnecting with God, Daniels plays with a freedom he didn’t experience before.
He explained, “I don’t worry about things I can’t control. There’s some stuff where it’s just human nature to have anxiety; you get nervous about it because you don’t know what the outcome is going to be. You can’t predict the unpredictable. So, as I mature, grow up more and dive deeper into my faith, I just know that it’s God’s plan with everything.” Daniels added, “With everything that’s going on right now, God has prepared me for this. He doesn’t give anything to anybody that He knows they can’t handle. To whom much is given, much is required.”
He advises aspiring young athletes, “Always believe in yourself—no matter the doubters, no matter what people say about you. Just believe in yourself. Lean on your faith with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and just keep working.”