‘Unbelievable’ is how NFL legend Tom Brady describes Jayden Daniels of LSU football.

Tom Brady, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, doesn’t throw around praise easily. Yet, when he uses the word “unbelievable” to describe Jayden Daniels, the quarterback for Louisiana State University (LSU), it speaks volumes about the remarkable talent and potential of the young player.

Jayden Daniels, who plays as a dual-threat quarterback for LSU, has garnered significant attention for his impressive performances on the field. From his incredible speed to his pinpoint accuracy and poise under pressure, Daniels has become one of the most exciting players in college football. But what is it that has led Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, to offer such high praise for the LSU quarterback?

In this piece, we’ll dive deep into the factors that make Jayden Daniels stand out in the competitive world of college football and why Tom Brady, with all his experience and insight, sees such greatness in him. We’ll explore Daniels’ career, his playing style, the impact he’s had at LSU, and what makes his game so “unbelievable” in the eyes of one of the best to ever play the position.

The Emergence of Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels first came into the spotlight as a promising quarterback from California. A product of the well-regarded high school football scene in California, Daniels quickly made a name for himself as a versatile and dynamic signal-caller. As a freshman at Arizona State, Daniels showcased his ability to take over games with both his arm and his legs. He displayed impressive accuracy as a passer, even as a young player, and flashed the type of athleticism that made him a dangerous dual-threat quarterback.

However, it wasn’t until he transferred to LSU in 2022 that Daniels truly began to show his full potential on the national stage. The decision to leave Arizona State and join LSU was a pivotal moment in Daniels’ career. LSU, which has historically been known for producing elite quarterbacks, offered Daniels an opportunity to play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive leagues in college football.

In his first season with the Tigers, Daniels wasted no time in making an impact. He quickly became a fan favorite in Baton Rouge, as he led LSU to several big wins, including a dramatic victory over Alabama. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground had LSU fans buzzing about the future of their program. Under head coach Brian Kelly, Daniels developed into a leader on and off the field, and his performances earned him a spot among the top quarterbacks in college football.

What Makes Jayden Daniels “Unbelievable”?

When Tom Brady uses the term “unbelievable” to describe a player, it’s worth examining what exactly makes that player so extraordinary. In the case of Jayden Daniels, several factors come into play that make his playstyle stand out from the crowd.

1. Dual-Threat Capability

One of the defining characteristics of Jayden Daniels’ game is his ability to make plays both with his arm and with his legs. In today’s game, a dual-threat quarterback is a rare and valuable asset, and Daniels is an elite example of that. He can sit in the pocket and deliver pinpoint throws with accuracy, but he can also escape pressure and use his legs to pick up crucial first downs or even take the ball all the way to the end zone. His rushing ability adds an extra dimension to LSU’s offense, making it difficult for opposing defenses to predict what he’ll do next.

Brady himself, despite being primarily known for his passing prowess, understands the value of versatility in a quarterback. In the NFL, where mobility is becoming an increasingly important trait for quarterbacks, Daniels’ ability to operate both as a passer and as a rusher gives him a significant advantage over more one-dimensional players. Whether it’s picking up yards on a scramble or making a pinpoint throw on the run, Daniels’ dual-threat capability is a huge asset to his game and a key reason why Brady would consider his talent “unbelievable.”

2. Poise and Composure Under Pressure

Another aspect of Jayden Daniels’ game that Brady admires is his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure. Quarterbacking is often as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical ability, and Daniels has demonstrated a remarkable level of poise in high-pressure situations.

For example, during LSU’s 2023 season, Daniels led his team to several comeback victories, including a thrilling win over Mississippi State where he orchestrated a late-game drive to secure the victory. In these moments, Daniels was able to keep his cool, assess the situation, and make the plays necessary to lead his team to success. His ability to perform in clutch moments has drawn comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in history, including Tom Brady himself, who is widely known for his late-game heroics in the NFL.

Brady’s praise for Daniels in this regard is significant because of how highly Brady values the mental side of the game. While raw talent and athleticism are important, it is often the quarterbacks who can handle pressure situations and make smart decisions under duress that separate themselves from the pack. Daniels’ ability to maintain his composure, even in the most high-stakes situations, is a key reason why Brady sees his potential as “unbelievable.”

3. Accuracy and Decision-Making

One of the most important qualities for any quarterback is accuracy, and Jayden Daniels has shown a remarkable ability to make precise throws all over the field. Whether it’s throwing deep balls down the sideline or hitting receivers in stride on short-to-intermediate routes, Daniels is able to deliver the ball with consistency and precision.

Accuracy, however, is only part of the equation. The ability to make the right decision at the right time is just as important, if not more so. Daniels has demonstrated excellent decision-making throughout his career, whether it’s knowing when to take off and run or when to check down and take what the defense gives him. His ability to read defenses and make the right play based on the situation is a sign of maturity beyond his years.

For Tom Brady, who spent two decades in the NFL mastering the art of decision-making, this is a key trait that makes Daniels stand out. Brady himself has long been known for his ability to make quick decisions and throw the ball accurately to his targets. Seeing Daniels exhibit similar qualities likely resonates with Brady, who knows how difficult it is to maintain such precision and intelligence under the immense pressure of big games.

4. Leadership and Intangibles

Finally, one of the most important aspects of any quarterback’s game is their leadership ability. As the leader of the offense, a quarterback must be able to inspire confidence in their teammates, rally the troops in tough moments, and lead by example both on and off the field. Jayden Daniels has shown time and time again that he has the leadership qualities necessary to be successful at the highest level.

Whether it’s making sure his teammates are prepared for the big game, leading by example during practices, or encouraging his team during moments of adversity, Daniels has demonstrated an innate ability to lead. His poise, confidence, and demeanor help him earn the trust and respect of his teammates, which is crucial in any football program.

Tom Brady, known for his relentless competitive drive and leadership on the field, likely sees this as a vital aspect of Daniels’ game. Brady’s career was defined not just by his physical abilities, but also by his leadership and ability to elevate the play of those around him. Daniels has already shown signs of possessing similar intangibles that could make him a great leader at the next level.

What Tom Brady Sees in Jayden Daniels

When Tom Brady watches Jayden Daniels play, he sees a young quarterback who possesses many of the same traits that helped him achieve unprecedented success in the NFL. Brady has always been known for his work ethic, mental toughness, and ability to perform in big moments. Daniels, despite still being in college, has already shown that he has many of the same qualities.

Brady’s “unbelievable” comment about Daniels is not just about his raw talent, but also about the intangible aspects of his game—his ability to perform under pressure, his leadership, his poise, and his determination to keep improving. These are the traits that set great quarterbacks apart from good ones, and it’s clear that Brady sees those same qualities in Daniels.

Moreover, Brady likely understands that Daniels is still early in his career, and his potential is limitless. If he continues to develop and refine his skills, there’s no telling how far Daniels could go in his football career. Tom Brady, who knows a thing or two about achieving greatness over a long period of time, likely sees Daniels as a quarterback with the tools to achieve that same level of success.