Jayden Daniels met the local media Friday for the first time since being drafted No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders, and shared one of those “This was my childhood dream” stories that almost every athlete in every sport can recall.
There’s nothing wrong with that, as all great athletes began their journey to stardom dreaming big as kids. But once Daniels’ “dream” story reached X/Twitter, it got shattered by the cynicism and snark everyone either loves or loathes — and sometimes both — about the platform.
The former LSU star and reigning Heisman winner revealed that when he was about 7 years old, he wrote a note saying, “I will play in the NFL” and posted it on his bedroom wall.
We’ve all heard this type of story before. ESPN’s Commanders beat writer John Keim shared the quote on X.
Daniels said he wrote “I will play in the NFL” on a piece of paper and posted it on his bedroom wall. He said he was around 7 years old.
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 26, 2024
X quickly went to work putting Daniels’ statement through a reality check. CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli replied, “I did too. The hit rate on these notes is far lower than the media wants you to believe!”
I did too. The hit rate on these notes is far lower than the media wants you to believe! https://t.co/gkyyWhmHFp
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) April 26, 2024
A few X users joked that the process really does work, because they wrote notes dreaming of being “mediocre” or “irrelevant” tweeters when they grew up, and … dreams really do come true!
Made Chris take down his “i will be a nfl cornerback taken in the first round” sign this morning. Sad moment. https://t.co/xB2nM3wgqK
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) April 26, 2024
I wanted to be Carlton Fisk, the closest I’ll come is drinking in my car in New Lenox
— Kevin McCann (@kmccannchi87) April 26, 2024
Proud of you for working hard to make your dreams come true!
— Zach Attack (@FFChalupaBatman) April 26, 2024
Boy punches his ticket to the NFL with one simple trick! NFL talent scouts hate him! https://t.co/IWFXGOGJbr
— Fleur LaMatt (@flatlameur) April 26, 2024
My dad ripped up my piece of paper with this dream and said get realistic. https://t.co/c57p8jPgZS
— Ant Edwards/bedard stan account (@davisdoesit27) April 26, 2024
When I was 7, I wrote “I will be a mediocre tweeter” on a piece of paper and posted it on my bedroom wall. Look at me now. https://t.co/Zqy5fHtrep
— DolphinsTalk Josh (@AmplifiedtoRock) April 26, 2024
If there’s a message here it might be, don’t share your dreams on X.
Here’s Daniels’ entire media session.
[John Keim on Twitter/X; photo via the Washington Commanders on YouTube]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.