“They Still Gotta Work”: Jayden Daniels Leaves Shannon Sharpe and Ochocinco in Splits With Parents’ ‘Retirement’ Plan

With draft day nearing, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels faces intense media scrutiny. Projected as a possible second or third QB pick, he could potentially land with teams like the Commanders or the Patriots in the 2024 draft. To speak more on this nail-biting draft, Daniels recently joined former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson for a live show.

Their conversation took a lighthearted turn as they spoke about Jayden’s hardworking parents and their retirement plans. His father, Javon “Jay” Daniels, was a former cornerback at Iowa State. While his mother Regina Jackson’s employment details remain private, she is clearly a dedicated supporter of her quarterback son. While speaking about them, Jayden shared his lighthearted plans for his parents’ future, making Sharpe and Johnson laugh.

LSU star quarterback on supporting his parents financially

Now, Jayden Daniels’ success at 23 proves his parents’ support in his career. This made former tight end Shannon Sharpe ask about Daniels’ plans to return the favor to his parents. Jayden also went on to acknowledge his parents’ hard work and sacrifices, saying, “Both my parents are still working… they put in all the work for me.” When asked about supporting them financially, he playfully replied, “Been able to take care of them a little bit. Not too much you know. They still gotta work.” 

This made the hosts laugh, with Sharpe jokingly acknowledging the challenges young players face as they adjust to the financial side of the NFL. Despite the playful tone, Daniels’ substantial NIL deals suggest he might not need many years. It seems likely that he’ll be able to provide for his parents sooner with his lucrative NFL career approaching.

Jayden Daniels cashes in on his talent

LSU Tigers’ star quarterback Jayden Daniels burst onto the scene in 2022, and his standout play quickly led to major attention. The following year, he broke records with 200 rushing yards and 350 passing yards in a single game. This further solidified his star status and opened doors for lucrative off-field opportunities in the NIL market. Soon, he landed significant endorsements, including Beats by Dre, known for its premium audio products. He also partnered with lifestyle brands like Urban Outfitters and HEYDUDE shoes to market his stylish image. Even Arizona’s famous Jones Auto Center recognized his “branding potential” and allowed him to get his hands on a pricey Mustang for a while.

These deals contributed to an impressive $2.2 million estimated annual NIL value, placing him among the Top 100 college football earners. With the NFL draft approaching and teams like the Patriots and the Commanders considering him, his value could skyrocket. Maybe he could even support his parent financially sooner than he thought. Share your thoughts on this in the comments below.