As he set out to pick his jersey number with the Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels eyed the same digit he wore during his college career at Arizona State and LSU.
There was just one problem: No. 5 was already taken in Washington by punter Tress Way, who has worn the number throughout his 10-year career with the franchise.
But as is often the case when a high profile rookie enters the league, Daniels found a way to make a deal to secure the jersey number he wanted. Only it wasn’t money or a gift that the No. 2 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft had to exchange for the rights to the number — at least not yet. Rather, Daniels reportedly promised Way that he would purchase him tickets to a game between their two alma maters — LSU and Oklahoma, respectively — when the Pro Bowl punter’s playing career is over.
Commanders P Tress Way did not want a cash transaction from Jayden Daniels for the No. 5. Instead, as part of the exchange, when Way is done with his NFL career, Daniels plans to send Way and his family to an Oklahoma-LSU football game, presumably with good seats, per source. pic.twitter.com/93QeMAOE6G
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 10, 2024
Appearing on an episode of Command Center, Way said that handing his number over to the team’s new franchise quarterback was the “right thing.”
“It is a very big piece of humble pie to give up this number,” Way said. “But I feel like it’s a bite I should take either way. I feel like it’s the right thing.”
As for what number Way will wear now, that remains unclear. But while he may no longer be wearing the number he has been most associated with throughout his NFL career, at least he has a future SEC showdown to look forward to.
[Adam Schefter on X, Washington Commanders]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.