SNIDER: Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels already knows true worth
In one breath, Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels showed why he may become Washington's best quarterback since Joe Theismann nearly 40 years ago.
Asked about today's college players making NIL money versus his time, Daniels showed how he's all in on success. Why he starts his day at 5:30 a.m. rather than resting for another 90 minutes when others arrive.
"I'm never against the players making money off the name, image and likeness," he said. "Just know the end goal, what's the end goal for you."
Daniels has his mind right. Worry about the game. The money is there for successful players. It's not the first contract, but the second that produces generational wealth. But, most players never get to that second deal after losing sight of what got them to the NFL – focus and hard work.
A former Washington coach told me most players are 100 percent all-in on their rookie year, especially the reserves. They knew it took everything to make it. But, after two or three years they grew too comfortable and lost that edge . . . and job. The next rookie took it.
Chase Young never came to a voluntary offseason camp in four seasons in Washington, including once because it conflicted with commercials. The 2020 No. 2 overall pick later said he needed to get paid so outside interests were more important than voluntary practice despite all other players participating.
Young is now on his third team in one year. He's playing well for New Orleans on a show-me deal. Maybe he finally realized the NFL means Not For Long to those who don't give 100 percent.
Oh, injuries hampered Young's career, but so did offseason financial pursuits. But Young is hardly the only player caught in that trap. Gus Frerotte was making paid appearances on Saturdays before Sonny Jurgensen told him to knock it off. That Saturdays were meant for last-minute studying and adjustments, not signing autographs.
The average NFL annual salary is $2.7 million, though that number is wildly subjective. Take away quarterbacks and other top earners and it's closer to $1 million for the rest of the locker room. Still, $1 million is a heckuva lot of money even when factoring in agent fees and taxes.
The real backbreaker is family and friends who feel entitled. One former Redskin paid the bills on 17 cell phones for his family. Then there's often child support that used to send a Loudoun County deputy to Redskins Park each Monday headed to the bookkeeper. One player was in handcuffs at a hotel the night before an away preseason game until teammates passed the hat to raise back child support.
Money is a major distraction among NFL players. Seriously, they should major in finance in college given the average NFL player is broke four years after leaving the game. Why, NFL great and one-time Redskin Adrian Peterson was ordered to turn over assets on Sept. 11 to help satisfy a $12 million debt. He earned $103 million over 15 years.
"Just know the end goal, what's the end goal for you" from Daniels shows remarkable maturity, but also great insight into how to win. Invest in yourself by concentrating on the game. The money will be there for the smart ones. But for those blinded by gold, it will prove a mirage.
