Regina Jackson, the mother and business manager of Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, publicly corrected statements made by his former high school coach regarding the player’s health and training regimen.
Ryan Porter, who coached Daniels at Cajon High School, claimed during a recent interview that Daniels was focused on adding muscle to withstand physical contact in the NFL. Porterreferred to this objective as building body armor following an injury-shortened 2025 season.
#Commanders QB Jayden Daniels main offseason focus per his QB coach Ryan Porter:
“Put on some more body armor … put on some more lean muscle”
(🎥:@john_keim) pic.twitter.com/Hv2WDDlsbJ
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) February 23, 2026
Jackson responded to these claims on social media by stating that Porter is no longer part of the quarterback’s professional circle. Shesaid, “This is not his QB coach and hasn’t been since high school. Jayden trains with Taylor Kelly from 3DQB. Smh. Please stop giving him a platform to speak.”
This is not his QB coach and hasn’t been since high school. Jayden trains with Taylor Kelly from 3DQB. Smh. Please stop giving him a platform to speak. https://t.co/rKT1y27AWm
— Mz Jackson (@LovelyMzJackson) February 23, 2026
Jackson requested that media outlets stop providing Porter a platform to discuss her son’s career. She emphasized that the former coach has not been involved with Daniels’ development since his high school years.
The dispute follows a difficult second year for Daniels. After winning the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and leading Washington to a 12–5 record, his 2025 season was hampered by injuries.
He suffered a dislocated elbow that forced him to miss significant time. He returned briefly in Week 14 but was sidelined for the remainder of the season after aggravating the injury. The Commanders finished the 2025 season with a 5–12 record.
Daniels expressed his own commitment to a rigorous 2026 offseason program. He stated his goal is to rebuild his physical condition to ensure he can play a full 17-game schedule. His rookie season established high expectations as he recorded 3,568 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.
However, his limited availability in 2025 resulted in only 1,262 passing yards across seven games. The focus for the Commanders organization and the Daniels camp remains on his recovery and long-term durability under his verified coaching team.
Jayden Daniels wants to gain muscle and improve durability
Jayden Daniels is prioritizing physical growth during the 2026 offseason to increase his durability. After various injuries limited him to just 7 games in 2025, Washington Commanders quarterback is focused on adding lean muscle mass. His goal is to better absorb hits while maintaining the speed required for his dual-threat style.
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) react after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) react after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Daniels entered college at 170 pounds and is currently listed at 210 pounds. His objective for the upcoming season is to reach approximately 220 pounds through a disciplined training regimen.
He maintains a rigorous daily schedule that begins at 5:00 a.m. with film study followed by weight training. By using resistance tools and studying the habits of veteran teammates, Daniels aims to ensure he is available for every game in 2026.
His progress indicates a commitment to long-term career sustainability through strategic physical development.