Veteran edge rusher Von Miller, now a free agent after a season with the Washington Commanders, recently praised quarterback Jayden Daniels by drawing parallels between Daniels and the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, Miller emphasized the confidence and leadership qualities Daniels exhibits, calling them reminiscent of Bryant’s approach to competition. Miller also compared Daniels to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, noting similarities in how both players engage with teammates.
Jayden Daniels’ Team-Oriented Attitude and Versatility
Miller described Daniels as a quarterback who makes teammates feel included and connected.
“Josh Allen has this way of dropping your guard and making you feel like you’re one of the guys on his team,”
Miller said.
“Jayden Daniels is the same way… [Daniels] just has this way of dropping your guard and making you feel [like] part of the team.”
Beyond his leadership, Miller highlighted Daniels’ athletic skill set, describing him as a special talent capable of both running and passing effectively, with a sharp football IQ.
Miller Emphasizes Daniels’ Unique Mental Strength and Kobe Bryant’s Traits
According to Miller, Daniels stands out mainly because of his mental toughness and unshakable confidence.
“He just has that confidence. The game is never too big for him, never too small for him… Has some great traits of the late Kobe Bryant. That’s the type of personality you want with your quarterback,”
Miller explained. These qualities, Miller believes, are essential in a quarterback who can lead a team through adversity and high-pressure situations.
Jayden Daniels’ Performance and Challenges in the NFL
Daniels began his NFL career with promise, playing a key role in guiding the Commanders to their first playoff berth since 2020 during his rookie season. However, his second year has been marred by injuries, including knee and hamstring issues early on, followed by a dislocated left elbow that ended his season prematurely. Over seven games this season, Daniels threw for 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns, while also contributing 278 rushing yards and two additional scores. Despite these efforts, his completion rate dropped to 60.9%, down from 69.0% in his rookie year.
Implications for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ Future
Miller’s comparison to Kobe Bryant highlights Daniels’ potential to become a durable leader and gifted talent in the NFL. The quarterback’s combination of skill, confidence, and team-first mindset positions him as a valuable asset for the Commanders moving forward. As Daniels works to recover fully from injury and regain his form, the team’s future success will likely depend on whether he can consistently showcase the traits Miller so enthusiastically praised.
"He just has that confidence. The game is never too big for him, never too small for him. … Has some great traits of the late Kobe Bryant. That's the type of personality you want with your quarterback."
Von Miller on Jayden Daniels' energy in the locker room 🏈
(via… pic.twitter.com/dPVtDgeP6h
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 3, 2026
