After winning college football’s top award on Dec. 9, Louisiana State University (LSU) quarterback Jayden Daniels began his acceptance speech by expressing gratitude to God. “He’s my rock, my Savior,” said the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. “He blessed me with the talents and ability to get here. All the special people here to develop these skills.”
Daniels, who turns 23 next week, transferred to LSU from Arizona State, where he played for three years and earned his degree. Instead of entering the NFL draft after graduation, however, he moved across the country to play for two years in the high-powered SEC.
Along the way, the outspoken Christian overcame injuries, on-field disappointments, and personal loss. And he credits God, his family, teammates, and team personnel for their support along the way.
Heisman Winner Jayden Daniels Overcomes Challenges
Jayden Daniels, who edged out Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. in the Heisman voting, led the LSU Tigers to a 9-3 record this season, scoring 50 touchdowns in the process. He ended the year with the highest passer rating in FBS history and became the first player to rack up at least 350 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in the same game.
Daniels, whose father was a college cornerback, was so lanky in high school he had to visit two doctors for approval to take the football field. But his speed, footwork, and passing ability earned the California native numerous college offers.
At the end of Daniels’ three years at Arizona State, his team was struggling on the field, and he was struggling off it. During the pandemic, both of his paternal grandparents died from COVID-19 within one month of each other. Their funerals were held on the same day, in March 2021.
Because of COVID restrictions, Daniels couldn’t say goodbye in person to his grandfather, who often took him to football practice as a child. In an Instagram tribute, Daniels called his grandfather “my best friend.”
Jayden Daniels Learned To ‘Give Everything to God’
Although Daniels was raised in a churchgoing family, he struggled with his faith during college—especially after moving to LSU. But a special bond with the team’s player relations manager, Sherman Wilson, helped bolster Daniels’ faith.
“He’s behind the scenes, but he’s like my right-hand man,” Daniels said of Wilson. “Being around him, I kind of got back into my faith more, always giving glory to God. He died on the cross for us; anything is possible with him. Coming back out here, trying to figure out my life, I wanted to stop trying to put so much pressure on me and just give everything to God, letting him take care of it.”
As his faith has matured, Daniels has learned not to “worry about things I can’t control” and to trust in “God’s plan with everything.”
