The Washington Commanders began their 2025 season on a high note, defeating the New York Giants 21-6. It was a strong start for second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who threw for 233 yards and one touchdown and showed complete command of the offense.
But aside from his Week 1 performance, fans also talked about the flag on his helmet.
Try out PFSN’s FREE playoff predictor, where you can simulate every 2025-26 NFL season game and see how it all shakes out!
What’s the Story Behind the Japanese Flag on Jayden Daniels’ Helmet?
Daniels had a Japanese flag decal on his helmet for the season opener and said he will continue to wear it to support his great-grandmother, who was Japanese. While Daniels’ Japanese heritage is a few generations removed, he qualifies as one of the few quarterbacks in NFL history with that background.
After the game against the Giants, Daniels was asked about the flag on his helmet. “My great-grandmother is Japanese, so I’m showing love to her,” he said. The grandmother he mentioned comes from his mother’s side. His mom, Regina Jackson, is an NFLPA-certified agent who also serves as his representative.
According to Sporting News, only one other quarterback of Japanese heritage has played in the league: Arthur Matsu in 1928.
Matsu played for the Dayton Triangles, a team that competed in the APFA, the precursor to the NFL. That technically makes Daniels the first quarterback in NFL history with Japanese bloodlines.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is rocking the Japanese flag decal on his helmet this season to honor his grandmother🇯🇵🔥 pic.twitter.com/Hulx3iELUD
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) September 7, 2025
Daniels is already one of the league’s most recognizable quarterbacks, and his gesture highlights a unique family history not often seen in the NFL.
Commanders Hoping to Continue Hot Start on Thursday
The Commanders head to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers in a highly anticipated early-season matchup. Both teams made the playoffs last season and are off to 1-0 starts, setting up an excellent test for Daniels against a stout Packers defense.
The Packers recently added Micah Parsons, whose pass-rushing ability could cause problems for Daniels. Expect the quarterback to rely more on his mobility Thursday, one of his best tools to counter Green Bay’s pressure.
This game will serve as a litmus test for both teams, revealing where they stand in the NFC hierarchy. Thursday night games are often sloppy because of the short week, but with both teams relatively fresh in Week 2, fans could be in for a shootout between two of the conference’s top contenders.
AloJapan.com