NFL Draft pick Jayden Daniels is set to own a fleet of luxury cars after signing a $37.7 million contract with the Washington Commanders.
But during college, the second selection in the NFL Draft had to settle for a 2020 Ford Mustang GT Premium leased as part of an NIL deal.
In August 2021, Daniels announced a partnership with dealership Jones Auto Centers in Arizona.
The then-Arizona State quarterback received a season-long $50,000 Ford Mustang in exchange for promoting the car dealership on social media.
Daniels also did marketing work for Jones Auto Centers – which has locations in Casa Grande, Wickenburg, Camp Verde and Buckeye – during his off weeks.
“I’ve seen a lot of other college athletes get a new car, so they offered it to me, reached out, I mean, why not take advantage of that?” Daniels said.
“I tell people to take advantage of this (NIL) if they can, but make sure it doesn’t take away from the team.”
Daniels received a lot of criticism about his luxurious new car.
“I had to ask him about that fancy car he has,” Arizona State coach Herm Edwards said. told Atlético.
“See if he’ll give me a ride. It’s like, ‘What is this?’ It looks like a spaceship.”
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Daniels’ teammates also noticed the fancy wheels.
“He posted it on Instagram and we see it when he comes to practice,” receiver Andre Johnson said.
“It’s a very beautiful car. I’m driving a beater right now, but hey, it is what it is. He’s JD5.”
The car was one of the first NIL deals Daniels secured before taking his college career to a new level by transferring to LSU in 2022.
Daniels won the coveted Heisman Trophy in 2023 after the dual-threat star produced 4,946 total yards and 50 total touchdowns.
At LSU, he secured several other NIL businesses, including Raising Cane’s, HeyDude Shoes and Urban Outfitters.
He was then drafted second overall by the Commanders in the 202 NFL Draft.
Daniels said he feels no pressure about the prospects of turning around the Commanders’ fortunes.
“I’m coming and competing,” Daniels said.
“I’m coming in and really just trying to play my role, whatever that may be.
“I just want to be the best teammate to help the team win.
“And we can bring some wins to DC, the DMV, and have some fun.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story