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Robert Griffin III Makes Plea To The Washington Commanders

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Nov 11, 2025 4:01 PM ET

Robert Griffin III is watching an eerily similar situation unfold for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Just like Griffin, Daniels got hurt after a Rookie of the Year season as the No. 2 overall pick following a Heisman Trophy campaign. Both quarterbacks got injured against the Seattle Seahawks at the same spot on the field, but Daniels' elbow injury hopefully won't cause nearly as much long-term damage as Griffin's ACL and LCL tear suffered in 2013.

The Commanders have not placed Daniels on the injured reserve, creating hope that the 24-year-old could return this season. However, Griffin urged the Commanders to keep their new franchise quarterback sidelined.

"I think they should sit him out," Griffin said on his "Outta Pocket with RGIII" podcast. "I think they should sit Jayden Daniels out for the rest of the season. I know they’re going to re-evaluate him after the bye week, but if this team isn't playing for a playoff spot or anything substantial, they should hold him out for the rest of the year."

RGIII downplays Daniels comparisons

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 26: Jordan Davis #90 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders during the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Despite the circumstantial similarities between his injury and Daniels' setback, Griffin claimed that the situations are "really not even close to the same."

"I can understand the concern and the injury and how that makes Washington fans have PTSD about what happened in 2012 going into 2013," Griffin said. "But Jayden Daniels' story is not like mine."

That's because Griffin III sees a healthier culture in Washington than the one "built on toxicity" during his career. The 35-year-old cited better ownership, less organizational infighting, and Commanders head coach Dan Quinn immediately taking complete accountability for leaving Daniels in the blowout game before he got hurt.

'I'm a positive thinker'

A year after making an improbable NFC Championship Game appearance, the Commanders are 3-7 with five straight losses. Winning their final seven games may not even secure a playoff spot.

That could cause Washington to wave the white flag and shut down Daniels this season. While he doesn't want the second-year star to play again this year, RGIII thinks Daniels will return strong if the Commanders handle his recovery properly.

"I'm a positive thinker," Griffin said. "I believe that he will bounce back, as long as they give him the proper amount of time to fully heal."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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