Jayden Daniels delivers stirring Heisman acceptance speech, message to Greg Brooks Jr.

After he was announced as the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered a stirring five-minute speech. And after all the thank yous and messages of inspiration, Daniels made sure one person in particular got highlighted: Greg Brooks Jr.

Brooks is a defensive back for LSU who earlier this year was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. In front of a national audience, Daniels finished his remarks with a message to Brooks and his family.

“I wanted to end on a special thank you Greg Brooks Jr. and his family. You gave me inspiration to continue on this journey to greatness and keep fighting. Thank you,” Daniels said.

Brooks and Daniels came to LSU as part of the same transfer class, prior to the 2022 season. As Brooks and his family have pressed on with cancer treatment, including a number of surgeries, the LSU football program has rallied around them, raising money for Brooks via an NIL fund. And Brooks was evidently in Daniels’ mind and heart as he was honored on Saturday.

So, too, were Daniels’ parents, Jovan Daniels and Regina Jackson, who he thanked at length.

“Dad, you put a football in my hands when I was young. I know you raised me to be a corner, but hopefully now the decision to play quarterback paid off. You taught me how to play, lead and be calm no matter the situation. And I know I wouldn’t be on this stage if it wasn’t for you, so thank you. I love you,” Daniels said.

“My rock, my momma. You were so nervous when I was playing my first high school game that you couldn’t even watch my first high school touchdown, you closed your eyes. But after that, you never took your eyes off the field. You always had my best interests at heart from Day 1 and you showed me that tough love when I needed it.

“You instilled in me the hard work mentality that got me here, and you always taught me to keep my eyes on the prize. You encouraged me to always be on myself because you always believed in me no matter what. I graduated in three years, because that’s something that you pushed me to do. And here and now I’m on the stage and I love you mom, thank you.”

And among other thank yous and shoutout — teammates at both LSU and Arizona State, where Daniels played prior, coaches in college and prior — Daniels offered a message to his fellow finalists.

With Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. present, he offered an unusual measure of respect.

“To Bo, Mike and Marvin, you guys are amazing. I enjoy watching y’all, but the competition’s never over. I look forward to see you guys on Sundays,” Daniels said.

And amid all his thanks yous and kind words, Daniels offered a final message.

“Being a college athlete and winning this award has been a dream come true. I want to dedicate this award to every boy and girl that has a dream. With faith and hard work, you never know what’s possible,” Daniels said.