Jayden Daniels trying to avoid RGIII NFL career path

This season, Andscape will document the ups and downs of this Black quarterback fraternity and how each of them is carrying their specific burden of proof.

As a fleet-footed rookie quarterback with the Washington Commanders in 2024, Jayden Daniels was one of the brightest lights the NFL had ever seen. He was on track to inherit the mantle of Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

But after re-injuring his elbow Sunday, Daniels’ immediate challenge is convincing fans that he is not Robert Griffin III, whose promising career in Washington was cut short by injuries.

There were eerie similarities between Daniels and RGIII. Both were Heisman Trophy winners. Both were selected No. 2 overall by Washington in the NFL draft. Both won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year … and both were injured after their rookie season.

The comparisons to RGIII began after Daniels’ magical first year was followed by an injury-plagued sophomore campaign. The comparisons became so pronounced that Daniels’ mother implored Commanders fans to stop making them.

Although Washington was winless in its first two games, Daniels showed flashes of the magic that distinguished his rookie season. Daniels’ challenge is no longer measuring up to the legend of Williams, but simply proving that he is not the second coming of RGIII.

His injury on Sunday has reignited the comparisons. And the whispers are getting louder.

The post Jayden Daniels trying to avoid RGIII NFL career path appeared first on Andscape.