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Commanders Punter Graciously Gifts Jersey Number to QB Jayden Daniels

Tress Way got a bit emotional when reflecting on what the jersey number meant to him.

Tom Dierberger

LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels poses after being selected by the Washington Commanders.
LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels poses after being selected by the Washington Commanders. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Exactly two weeks after the Washington Commanders selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, quarterback Jayden Daniels made his jersey number official on Thursday.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner will wear No. 5 with the Commanders, the same jersey number he donned for three seasons at Arizona State and two years at LSU.

The No. 5 in Washington has been occupied by punter Tress Way for the last 10 seasons, dating back to when he was claimed off waivers in 2014.

Way, a four-time team captain, was happy to hand the No. 5 jersey to the incoming rookie, and got a bit emotional when reflecting on what that number meant to him.

"I got picked up here [in Washington] on the waiver wire, and it was the first time I felt wanted," Way said while tearing up. "I came in, No. 5 was sitting there, and I said, 'Yeah, I like that.'"

"... There is so much excitement around this organization, all of the excitement is building and building and building. I just feel like [giving No. 5 to Daniels] is a very small part that I could do. Got a rookie coming in, can't imagine what's going on in his head and his heart."

Daniels and Way made the trade official Thursday in a picture posted to social media.

Way, who is entering the final year of his contract, has not selected a new jersey number yet.

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Tom Dierberger

TOM DIERBERGER