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Jayden Daniels talks about adding muscle as he prepares for Year 2 in the NFL

Untitled design (1)by:Julie Boudwin•7 hours ago
Jayden Daniels
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Jayden Daniels’ rookie season in the NFL was one to remember. The former LSU star not only exceeded expectations but quickly cemented himself as the face of the Washington Commanders’ franchise, leading them to a 12-5 record and their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991.

He capped it off by winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after passing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also rushing for 891 yards and six more scores.

Now, as Daniels prepares for his sophomore campaign in Washington, he’s focused on one thing: durability.

The 24-year-old quarterback spoke recently about adding weight and muscle to his 6-foot-4 frame this offseason, hoping to better withstand the punishment that comes with life as a dual-threat QB in the NFL.

“They’re on my team, but you’ve got Von Miller, Daron Payne, guys like Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner running after you,” Daniels said during an appearance on SportsCenter. “So I got to be able to withstand some of those blows when it comes to taking a hit.”

While some fans took notice of his visibly bulked-up frame, Daniels downplayed the transformation as simply the result of natural growth and maturity.

“I just know I got stronger naturally over time,” he said. “That’s what everybody’s telling me, you can see the pictures, kind of crazy. That just comes with natural maturity. I’m just a tall, lanky kid. I put on a couple of pounds, put on some muscle and now everyone’s trying to blow it up like I went from 185 to 250.”

Daniels, who transferred to LSU from Arizona State in 2022, made a massive leap during his two years in Baton Rouge—culminating in a Heisman Trophy season in 2023 before heading to the NFL as the No. 2 overall pick.

Now entering Year 2 as a pro, he’s once again drawing attention for his progress—but this time, it’s his physical development that’s turning heads as he aims to be even more dangerous in 2025.

Watch the full interview with Daniels below.

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