Copyright Athlon Sports
Jayden Daniels and JuJu Watkins play different sports, but they share plenty in common as the stars of their respective spaces. Daniels is the Washington Commanders’ franchise quarterback, while Watkins is an All-American guard for USC women’s basketball. They each carry the weight of a program on their shoulders, although the latter player announced in September that she will miss the 2025-26 season due to the ACL injury she sustained in March, per the Washington Post’s Kareem Copeland. The two have supported each other at their respective games and were seen partying together in July. Fans have speculated that they’re an item, but neither have confirmed or denied, per TMZ. Watkins avoided the question when a TMZ reporter asked her whether she was dating Daniels in July. As fas as the public knows, they’re simply good friends. Watkins is focused on her injury recovery, while Daniels is trying to keep the Commanders afloat in the NFC playoff race. They’re 3-5 entering their matchup with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night. Commanders Have Yet to Recapture 2024 Magic Last season, Daniels led Washington to its first NFC Championship appearance since 1991, which was also when it won its last Super Bowl title. However, its been downhill since then. The second-year signal-caller has missed three games due to injury this year, and the Commanders went 1-2 in those contests. They need him to play as much as possible since they’re ranked sixth-worst in total defense, per ESPN. On the bright side, Daniels has been effective when healthy. The 24-year-old has eight passing touchdowns against one interception this season along with 211 rushing yards on 44 carries. He also has one scoring scamper and one fumble lost. The next step for Daniels is to recapture his rookie efficiency. The former LSU Tiger’s completion percentage is currently 61 percent, which is eight points fewer than last season. He’s also averaging 1.2 fewer yards per carry. Daniels last played in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys. The 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year left early with a hamstring injury before Washington lost 44-22. After that, Washington lost 28-7 to the Kansas City Chiefs with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota under center.
