That smile that Tampa Bay QB Jalon Daniels wore after leading his team over the Dallas Cowboys is authentic. As a K Club board member, I met the former Kansas quarterback several times during his college career. The group supports current KU athletes and former varsity letter winners.
Daniels, who could have transferred and likely collected a larger NIL deal with another university, remained at KU through six seasons, including the COVID year. Injuries plagued him, and he missed a major part of the Jayhawks’ 2023 season, which ended with a Guaranteed Rate Bowl victory over UNLV in Phoenix.
Untimely fumbles and interceptions kept him from reaching the level of success pundits predicted (he was on the preseason Heisman Trophy watch list in 2023) but he never gave up on himself or his dream of playing in the NFL – one he shared with me.
He kept battling and kept smiling as fans, including me, chastised his decision making and turnover-at-the-worst-moment capability.
When Tampa Bay signed him as an undrafted free agent, I figured the best he could do was make the Bucs’ practice squad.
When the 53-man roster was announced, not only did Daniels make the team, but he was also named the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Baker Mayfield. After Mayfield went down with a hand injury three weeks ago, Daniels got his first start against the Green Bay Packers and almost pulled an upset, losing 17-14.
Last Thursday, he outplayed Dak Prescott and led his team to a 24-16 spanking of the Dallas Cowboys.
“Six months ago, if you would have told me my first win would have been on Thursday night Prime football game, I don’t know what I would have told you,” Daniels told reporters after the game while wearing that signature beaming smile.
He completed 19 of 25 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown, while adding 23 rushing yards. He was poised and productive.
Daniels did almost throw a disastrous interception, but the football gods were smiling along with him — Cowboys defensive back DaRon Bland dropped a sure pick-six that would have cut the Bucs’ lead to two points.
Fittingly, Daniels’ mother is named Star, and he pulled her up to the podium in AT&T Stadium to share in his moment of triumph. You won’t find a nicer person. I’m pulling for him to secure a lengthy NFL career.
The Reid Roundup
Saint Louis University and World Wide Technology have announced a strategic partnership that includes placement of the WWT logo on all team uniforms. “As an active SLU alumnus and former Billiken soccer team member, I care deeply about supporting the priorities of the University and enriching the student and fan experience,” said Jim Kavanaugh, CEO of World Wide Technology, which he helped found with company Chairman David Steward….Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott should be more concerned with his and the team’s sorry performance in an upset loss to Tampa Bay last week than a stadium worker who shouted “embarrassing” to him following the game…Another Black QB, Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, cost his team a shot at a game-winning field goal in a 27-27 overtime tie with the New York Giants. Somehow, he forgot his team had no timeouts, and his decision to run the ball instead of throwing it away blew his team’s chance to win as the clock ran out. Inexcusable.…Jameis Winston has stepped in for the Giants at QB in solid fashion. After losing to the L.A. Rams when thrust into the game for injured Jaxson Dart in Week 2, Winston has gone 2-0-1 as a starter, helping put the Giants in first place in the NFC East.…The St. Louis Sports Commission should work on bringing a WNBA preseason game to Enterprise Center in spring 2027 featuring Minnesota Lynx former MVP and perennial All-Star Napheesa Collier, a St. Louis native. Giving local fans a chance to see Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles would be great too… Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese was named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, led the league in rebounding, and her team is in the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries…Guess who will join millions of people watching Reese play? Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and the rest of the over-hyped Indiana Fever.
I would say that the Washington Commanders coaching staff cost them a chance at a victory against the New York Giants. They could have simply ran the field goal team out on the field and tried to kick the game winning field goal. As for the Dallas Cowboys losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I was not surprised at all. I have seen their collapse at home inside of Jerry World too many times before. I am so ready for the WNBA Finals. I will be rooting for the Atlanta Dream against the Golden State Valkyries. My popcorn will definitely be ready.