The turnaround by the Washington Commanders franchise and how they are viewed has been nothing short of remarkable. When a former rival heaps praise on a star player from a bitter foe, that shows how far things have come full circle for the burgundy and gold.
Former Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver Dez Bryant is no stranger to recognizing talent. Known for his passion and sharp football mind, Bryant took to social media recently to heap praise on Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
In a tweet that instantly gained traction, Bryant wrote:
âJayden Daniels is here to stay. Nothing about how he plays the game of football shows heâs a one hit wonder. Out of all athletic dual threat QBs who have played the game, Jayden Daniels reads the defense the bestâ¦He doesnât rely on his athletic ability, and thatâs what makes him dangerousâ¦â
Jayden Daniels is here to stay. Nothing about how he plays the game of football shows he’s a one hit wonder. Out of all athletic dual threat QBs who have played the game, Jayden Daniels reads the defense the bestâ¦He doesn’t rely on his athletic ability, and that’s what makes him⦠https://t.co/KFgDciyFPd
â Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) July 5, 2025
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Those words, coming from a former Pro Bowler and one of the NFLâs most intense competitors, carry weight, especially for a second-year quarterback entering one of the most pivotal seasons of his young career.
A True Dual Threat with Elite Vision
What makes Daniels so compelling, especially in todayâs NFL landscape, is that heâs more than just another athletic quarterback with wheels. Yes, Daniels can burn defenses with his legs, but his ability to dissect defenses and make sound, quick decisions separates him from the pack.
Thatâs exactly what Bryant pointed out. While many dual-threat QBs lean on improvisation or bail out of the pocket too soon, Daniels thrives within structure. His poise in the pocket and ability to go through progressions, even under pressure, has drawn praise from analysts, coaches, and now, NFL legends.
After earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last season, Daniels showed he could hang with the leagueâs best. He completed over 65% of his passes, racked up over 4,000 total yards, and had a touchdown-to-interception ratio that proved his efficiency. But more than stats, his demeanor and decision-making already look like that of a seasoned veteran.
Bryantâs assessment isnât just hype; itâs validation of what many in Washington have already come to believe: Daniels is building something sustainable, not flash-in-the-pan magic.
Greatness Beyond the Hype
When a player of Bryantâs caliber speaks, it resonates across locker rooms. And for a fan base long starved for consistency at quarterback, Danielsâ maturity and style are welcome changes.
Bryantâs tweet isnât just a compliment; itâs a bold proclamation. He didnât hedge his words. By saying âJayden Daniels is here to stay,â heâs aligning Daniels with the leagueâs elite not just for now, but for years to come.
This isnât the first time a former NFL star has praised Daniels, but the depth of Bryantâs praise, especially noting that Daniels âreads the defense the bestâ of any dual-threat QB heâs seen, is exceptional. That kind of reading ability is what makes good quarterbacks great, and great ones legendary.
As the Commanders prepare for the 2025 season, the spotlight on Daniels will only grow. But with backing like Bryantâs and the work ethic Daniels has already shown, this sophomore campaign is shaping up to be more proof that the Commanders finally have their franchise guy.
Daniels isnât a fluke. And if Bryantâs words are any indication, the rest of the league better be ready because heâs just getting started.
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