The NFL’s Rookie of the Year race has taken an exciting turn as former LSU teammates Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers have engaged in a high-stakes $10,000 wager. Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Commanders, and Nabers selected 6th overall by the New York Giants, have transformed their bond into a friendly rivalry as they pursue the coveted award.

“We got a bet going for Rookie of the Year. Whoever loses gotta pay, I think it’s $10,000 cash,” Nabers revealed on “The Pivot” podcast. Despite being division rivals in the NFC East, guaranteeing they’ll face each other twice a year, the competitive spirit between the two remains strong. “When we walk out that tunnel, me and him — since we [are] on different sides — we know it’s time to talk s–t now,” Nabers said with a hint of excitement.

While the wager adds an intriguing layer to their battle, Nabers was quick to acknowledge Daniels’ influence during their time at LSU. “Having that guy as a teammate, he’s a great leader, a great person to be around,” he stated. “I probably wouldn’t have had the year I had without him — by him pushing me every day at practice, by him waking me up in the morning to go watch film, him having my back through it all.”

The competition is fierce, but the two rookies remain focused on making their mark in the league. As Nabers put it, “That jersey’s gonna mean a lot to me and him” when they eventually swap jerseys, a tradition signifying their accomplishment of achieving their dreams.

Rising stars clash in Rookie of the Year race!

The competition for Offensive Rookie of the Year is intense, with Daniels listed at +900 odds by BetMGM, trailing only Caleb Williams (+200) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (+600). Daniels’ remarkable 2023 season at LSU, where he completed 72.2% of his passes for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns, has positioned him as a strong contender.

Nabers, on the other hand, enters the fray with +1400 odds, but his potential impact on the Giants’ offense cannot be understated. Expected to surpass any Giants receiver’s performance from the previous year with a projected 840.5 receiving yards, Nabers could be Daniel Jones’ primary target in a revamped passing attack.

The race also includes other top prospects like J.J. McCarthy (+850), Xavier Worthy (+1600), and Rome Odunze (+1800), making it one of the most hotly contested rookie battles in recent memory. Each player brings a unique skill set and competitive drive, determined to etch their names in NFL history.

As the season unfolds, the rivalry between Daniels and Nabers will undoubtedly intensify, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already talent-laden Rookie of the Year race. With pride, bragging rights, and a significant sum of money on the line, these two former teammates turned opponents are set to put on a show, showcasing their skills and competitive spirit on the grandest stage.