Jayden Daniels is headed to Saudi Arabia in March, and it’s not for vacation. The Washington Commanders quarterback has signed on to captain a team in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic - and he’ll be squaring off against none other than Tom Brady. Yes, that Tom Brady.
Naturally, the move stirred up a bit of controversy among Commanders fans. After a rookie season that was derailed by injuries - a knee sprain, a hamstring strain, and a dislocated elbow - many in the fan base were hoping Daniels would spend the offseason focused solely on recovery and prep for Year 2. Instead, he’s flying halfway across the world to play in an exhibition game.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t just any exhibition game. And this isn’t just any endorsement.
Brady, now a FOX Sports analyst and still the most decorated quarterback in NFL history, had nothing but glowing things to say about Daniels. In fact, he went as far as to say there’s no one in the league he enjoys watching more right now. That’s not just lip service - that’s a seven-time Super Bowl champ putting serious respect on Daniels’ name.
For a young quarterback trying to find his footing after a frustrating rookie campaign, that kind of backing carries weight. Brady’s not just showing up for the event - he’s showing belief in Daniels’ potential. And if you’re Washington, that’s a storyline worth paying attention to.
Now, let’s talk about the concerns. Yes, Daniels missed significant time in 2025 due to injuries.
And yes, the optics of playing in a non-NFL event might raise eyebrows. But this isn’t a full-contact scrimmage.
The NFL made it clear in a league-wide memo: players participating in the event do so at their own risk, with no protections under their contracts or the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Commanders had every right to block his participation - and they didn’t.
That tells you they’re comfortable with the setup.
And from a development standpoint, this trip might offer more than meets the eye. Getting a chance to spend time around Brady - to talk shop, soak up advice, and see how the GOAT approaches the game - is a rare opportunity.
Daniels has already shown flashes of elite talent. He was the No. 2 overall pick for a reason.
But what he lacked in his rookie year was consistency and, frankly, time on the field. If Brady sees something special in him, that’s not just hype - that’s insight from someone who’s seen it all.
The Commanders are betting big on Daniels. He’s the centerpiece of their rebuild, the face of the franchise moving forward.
And while fans are understandably anxious to see him healthy and locked in for OTAs, this flag football game doesn’t change the bigger picture. If anything, it might help.
Daniels has a chance to reset, regroup, and reassert himself in 2026. And if he can channel some of that Brady wisdom into his preparation, the Commanders might just have something brewing under center.
So while the trip may not be conventional, it could be quietly pivotal. The league may have moved on to other young stars in the postseason spotlight, but Brady hasn’t forgotten about Daniels.
And if he’s right - if Daniels really is that guy - Washington fans won’t be worrying about a flag football game come fall. They’ll be watching their quarterback prove why he was worth the pick.