Why does Jayden Daniels have a Japanese flag sticker on his helmet?
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels recently added a Japanese flag sticker to his helmet. Here’s the background on that story.
The Washington Commanders take on the Green Bay Packers tonight in Week 2 of the NFL season as they look to keep their streak alive after beating the Giants in their opening game.
As you watch the Thursday night matchup, you may notice that Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has added a flag to the back of his helmet - the Japanese flag.
2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels repping the Japan flag!
— JapanBall (@JapanBall) September 9, 2025
He’s the 2nd QB of Japanese heritage in NFL history 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/XFKx2aZVXA
Jayden Daniels’ Japanese heritage
The NFL players have been representing their heritage on their helmets since 2022 by putting decals of their country on the back. Daniels already had the U.S. flag on the back of his helmet, but this year, he also added the Japanese flag.
While Daniels wasn’t born in Japan, he has Japanese heritage. Daniels’ maternal great-grandmother is Japanese, and he wanted to celebrate that tie to the country. His parents, Javon Daniels and Regina Jackson, are not believed to have been born in Japan either, but Daniels wanted to honor his great-grandmother.
Powerful: Commanders star QB Jayden Daniels revealed he is JAPANESE and will be wearing a Japanese flag on his helmet this season to honor his heritage.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 9, 2025
Jayden is the first Japanese QB in NFL history 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/cRJjWSNf3N
“My great-grandmother is Japanese, so showing love to her,” Daniels said.
Has the NFL ever had a Japanese quarterback before?
Arthur Matsu, who played four games for the Dayton Triangles in 1928, was the NFL’s first quarterback of Japanese descent. Born in Scotland to a Japanese father and Scottish mother, he later became a multi-sport star in the U.S. before moving into coaching after his brief pro career.
Some confusion exists around Robert Griffin III, who was born in Okinawa but has no Japanese ancestry.
Although Daniels’ Japanese heritage is more distant than Matsu’s, he’s embracing it. Last season’s Rookie of the Year and a former Heisman winner, is continuing to raise the profile of Japanese representation in the NFL.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment