Sep 23, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) hands the ball off to running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Commanders' QB Jayden Daniels sharing his blessings with a trip to the Super Bowl

Originally posted on Washington Commanders on SI
By David Harrison | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 11:00 AM ET

If you haven't learned from Jayden Daniels' press conferences in his first season as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders, he'd rather talk about others than himself.

Always quick to give credit to a teammate or coach, Daniels is not only authentic in his praise for his fellow Commanders but genuine in his public humility.

He's also dedicated significant portions of his off time to reaching out to the greater Washington D.C. community while balancing new life in the NFL as a reluctant star quarterback. As the offseason gets underway, Daniels is continuing those off-field efforts by sending one deserving Veteran to experience the realization of a lifelong dream.

"Blessed in Season 1! As a grandson of veterans, I’m teaming w/ USAA & Marine Corps Association to pass along one more blessing this year. I’m proud to send Jonathan Knauth, a 30 yr USMC vet & lifelong NFL fan, on a trip to SBLIX. Enjoy the game," Daniels said in a social media post.

Knauth served as a Marine combat camera, tasked with documenting the missions of the units he was assigned or attached to while also being ready to impact the outcome of any battle they might encounter. As he said in an October 2024 interview with DAV.org, "Every Marine is a rifleman."

While it happens on a much different 'battle field', Daniels himself has embodied that same mentality, viewing himself as a football player, not a brittle quarterback who can't make plays beyond the pocket.

It helped him become one of the most electric quarterbacks in the league in 2024, will almost assuredly earn him the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and has breathed new life into Commanders fandom.

That fan base has long had a love affair with its favorite players, and those players tend to make as big an impact off the field as they do on it.

Sending Knauth, who became a Stafford County Widewater State Park ranger in February of 2024 following 30 years of service to the Marine Corps, is just the latest in that venture. Helping one NFL fan fullfill the same dream Daniels has of making it to the Super Bowl.