Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has made it clear that he doesn’t appreciate being compared to Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson, despite the striking similarities in their playing styles. As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels has taken the league by storm with his dual-threat abilities, excelling both as a passer and a runner in his rookie season.
His performances have naturally drawn comparisons to Jackson, who has long been celebrated for his dynamic athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs.
Daniels, however, is keen to carve out his own identity. Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated matchup between the Commanders and the Ravens this Sunday, Daniels addressed the constant comparisons to Jackson. “I don’t like when people try to compare me to Lamar,” the 23-year-old rookie said. “We’re two different players. I want to be known as Jayden Daniels and not the next such-and-such.”
While Jackson is currently the only quarterback in the league to have rushed for more yards than Daniels this season, the Commanders rookie is focused on being “unique” among his peers. He expressed his desire to be recognized for his own style of play rather than being labeled as a version of someone else. “My aim is to be different, to be unique,” Daniels explained. “But I still try to learn from other quarterbacks across the league. I’m not closed-minded.”
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Interestingly, Daniels and Jackson share a mentor-mentee relationship, with the rookie revealing that their bond goes back several years. “We have a big bro, little bro type of thing,” Daniels said, acknowledging the respect he has for Jackson’s journey in the NFL.
He praised Jackson’s role in paving the way for quarterbacks like him, especially African-American quarterbacks who continue to redefine the position. “I’m a fan of his and how he plays the game, how he approaches the game. But we’re two different quarterbacks, two different styles.”
Daniels emphasized his admiration for Jackson’s accomplishments while maintaining that their approaches to the game are distinct. “I appreciate what he’s done for the sport and for African-American quarterbacks,” Daniels said. “But at the end of the day, I’m trying to establish myself as Jayden Daniels, not as a comparison to anyone else.”
Lamar Jackson echoed Daniels’ sentiments when asked about the comparisons during a press conference. “He’s his own player. He’s his own man,” Jackson said of the rookie. “At the end of the day, we’re both just trying to make a name for ourselves, not live in anyone else’s shadow.”
This Sunday’s game between the Commanders and the Ravens not only pits two exciting teams against each other but also offers a fascinating clash between these two quarterbacks, each with the potential to change the game with their arms and legs.
Both Daniels and Jackson will likely continue to draw comparisons as their careers progress, but for now, they remain focused on charting their own paths and proving their individual greatness on the field.
Daniels’ desire to create his own legacy in the NFL is clear, and as he continues to shine in his rookie season, the football world is eager to see just how high his ceiling can be.
