Jayden Daniels Sends Surprising Message About Rival Fanbase

It is a rare thing when you hear someone praise a rival organization’s fanbase, especially in the NFC East, where some of the oldest rivalries in the NFL east. The Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels did just that earlier this week. The craziest part? It was the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase he complimented.

Yes, you heard that right. Philly fans.

The Reputation That Follows Philly

This is the fanbase that booed Santa Claus. In 1968, on the old Franklin Field, the Eagles were already suffering through a dismal season. The team hired a teenager to come out dressed a Santa Claus, and Eagles fans pelted him with snowballs.

This is the same team that, in 1999, when star Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin went down with a serious neck injury that many of the fans at the stadium cheered.

The organization installed a jail cell to house unruly fans when things got a bit too chaotic.

We have all seen the viral videos each week during the NFL season. Rival fanbases walking into Philly’s stadium, being heckled and cursed out by not only adults but children as well. And Daniels had something positive to say about them?

Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels Sees It Differently

During a recent conversation with Sports Illustrated, Daniels was asked about playing on the road in Philadelphia. Instead of describing the atmosphere as hostile or overwhelming, he offered something different.

“I love Eagles fans,” Daniels said. “They just embody what Philly brings. Their environment is kind of like the closest thing you can get to a college environment.”

Most quarterbacks visiting Philly would not be that optimistic.

Lincoln Financial Field has been known for years to be one of the most intense environments in the entire NFL. From the moment as a fan that you step into the parking lot and until you leave that parking lot after the game, if you are an opposing fan, you will be heckled, berated, and at times, put in dangerous situations. Even players must be careful at times. Ask the Raiders from back in 2017, after they were being pelted with snow

For some quarterbacks, playing in Philadelphia can be daunting. But when asked if the environment gives him extra motivation, Daniels answered without hesitation.

“For sure.”

Keep in mind, Daniels is still incredibly early in his career and has only played in Philadelphia twice so far. His experience with the Philly fan base had been short-lived, so his outlook on the city and its fans may change over time.

Embracing the Challenge

Daniels’ outlook on the fanbase, while surprising, is refreshing. He has zero bitterness towards the Eagles organization whatsoever. He is simply a young quarterback who appreciates the energy that Philly’s fanbase brings to the table, regardless of any hostility that may bring. As early as it is in his career, it is incredible that he shows that sort of optimism.

In the NFC East, whether you like it or not, you are going to hear a lot of noise. The fact that he can find the positive in it all at such a young age is a good thing.