GREATER LANDOVER, Md. — Jayden Daniels is officially back for the 2024 Washington Commanders rookie minicamp, and he has his jersey number. Daniels will sport No. 5 this season.
In an emotional interview with Commanders punter Tress Way, he explained why he gave up jersey No. 5 after initially declining to give it away.
"I was No. 1 with Chicago, and I just didn't like it. I got there, they gave me 1. I got picked up here on the waiver wire and it was the first time I felt wanted. It was like 'hey, they picked me.' And I came in, 5 was sitting there and I was like, 'yeah, I like that.'"
Tearing up, Way said it was harder than he expected to surrender the number to the rookie QU.
"I was talking to my wife. I've been fortunate enough to have been voted team captain four times. And if I get voted captain again in my career, that C gets filled in. And I was like 'Man it's gonna be weird if I give up the number and get that C filled in, it's gonna be a different number.' And my wife said 'Why do you have the C in the first place?' And I just feel like there's so much excitement around this organization, hands down the most I have ever seen. Just all the excitement building and building, and I just feel like this is just a very small part that I could do. Got a rookie coming in and I can't imagine what's going on in his head and his heart. And, you know, I'm there for him."
Way has been with the Commanders since 2014. Not only is he a four-time captain, but he is a two-time Pro Bowler.
Daniels wore jersey No. 5 during his time at LSU and will continue to do so thanks to Way.
At minicamp, players get the chance to showcase their skills on the field as the coaches and front office get a closer look at the prospects from the 2024 NFL Draft and undrafted free agents.
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