By Robert Daniels

Over the weekend, the Jayden Daniels Foundation held its second annual community day at Coussoulis Arena on the campus of Cal State, San Bernardino. The event, which was free to the public, included a backpack giveaway, free snacks and drinks, and door prizes, including Bluetooth speakers and several dozen Apple iPad tablets. And, of course, inspirational words from the hometown hero himself, Jayden Daniels.

But the local kids were not the only ones thrilled about the event, Daniels also expressed his own enthusiasm.

“I’m super excited. It’s a blessing, an opportunity. It’s something that I had a chance to do when I was a kid. Our main thing was, if I was blessed enough to make it, to always give back to the community that helped raise me. So this is super, super big. It’s always a great time of the year to be able to do something like this,” he said.

For the young people in attendance, there is an awe that comes with meeting a superstar that walked the same path that you are currently on, but for Daniels it is his chance to set the next generation in motion.

“I am hoping to make a positive impact for change, you know. Whether it’s down the line, like some kids say they came to one of these and they felt the inspiration. And it helps them propel to a professional athlete or the highest level of their profession, whatever they want to do.”

NFL Quarterback Jayden Daniels Photo: Howard

Community day is a great pause from the everyday grind that is the NFL season, but the Washington Commanders star spoke passionately about the upcoming season with his new offensive coordinator David Blough.

“Oh, that’s crazy. We came in at the same time. He was a rookie coach. I was a rookie quarterback. Now he’s the offensive coordinator, two years later, going into year three. So it’s a blessing for sure. I’m just trying to get better in all facets of football, each and every year. We go out there and learn new things, you learn new things about yourself. So, I go into year 3, (Blough is) kinda just trying to apply those things and try to find little smart edges to get up and go out there and get better.”

The 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year is back and ready to take the Commanders back to the playoffs, but at the event he is just Jayden, the quiet, charismatic young man with the thousand-watt smile inspiring the youth. His message to them is simple.

“I would say just don’t put yourself in a box. I played a lot of different sports. That’s one thing that my parents put me in growing up: a lot of different sports. Don’t solely focus on one sport because all sports help you get to your ultimate goal, whether you want to be a football player, a basketball player or anything like that. Don’t put yourself in a box,” he concluded