Jayden Daniels, rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders, revealed this Friday that the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, a five-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, is his inspiration to succeed in the NFL.

"Kobe is my favorite athlete of all time, especially growing up in Southern California, watching the Lakers, watching Kobe. So that's where my inspiration comes from—growing up watching him," said the 24-year-old quarterback.

A dream rookie season

Daniels, the top contender for NFL Rookie of the Year on February 6, has had an outstanding first season in the league. Drafted in the first round by the Commanders, he has led his team to the brink of the NFC Championship, where they’ll face the Philadelphia Eagles on the road this Sunday.

In their recent win against the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round, Daniels caught attention by wearing a special-edition pair of Kobe Bryant cleats, one of the most iconic models from Nike. These tributes highlight the deep admiration Daniels holds for the NBA legend, who tragically passed away on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter accident.

Inspired since childhood

"When I was a kid, I fell in love with his game and who he was. As I got older, I fell in love with his mentality and how he approached the game—he never cut corners, he took everything seriously, and he gave it his all every time he was on the court," said Daniels, referring to Bryant, who won five NBA championships, was a two-time Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medalist with Team USA in Beijing 2008.

Born in Fontana, California, Daniels shined in college football with the LSU Tigers, where he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy during the 2023 season. In his rookie season with the Commanders, he has racked up 3,568 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes, along with 891 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, leading his team to the playoffs.

"Being treated like the underdog is good. It’s like having extra motivation; I’m always motivated, whether it’s Week 2 or the NFC Championship Game," Daniels said. The Washington Commanders have defied the odds, winning every playoff game on the road and knocking out teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lions. Now, they’re gearing up for the ultimate challenge: taking down the Eagles to claim the NFC Championship and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl on February 9.