Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels' relationship, explained: How Heisman-winning LSU QBs developed bond off the field

One of the leading storylines ahead of Monday night's matchup between the Bengals and Commanders is the battle between LSU legends Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels. 

Both quarterbacks finished their final collegiate season with the Tigers earning a Heisman Trophy, in 2019 and 2023, respectively. They also headlined their NFL Drafts, with Burrow going No. 1 and Daniels going No. 2 overall. 

This is the first time they will face off in what will hopefully be several professional matchups between the two. Though they never played together in Baton Rouge, the Washington and Cincinnati slingers have been in contact before.

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But what kind of relationship do they have since Daniels became the third Tiger player to claim the storied Heisman Award?   

Here's everything to know about Burrow and Daniels' relationship, including how the LSU quarterbacks developed a bond off the field before they meet on the field Monday night.

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Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels' relationship, explained

Per a story in the LSU Reveille, Daniels revealed that Burrow texted him two days before he won the Heisman. 

“He reached out to me yesterday, you know, to give me words of encouragement and stuff like that, just wishing me the best,” Daniels said. “He said, 'You’re gonna be doing a lot to get your mind prepared. He was very straightforward about it. You know, he’s like, 'Just enjoy every little moment because these moments you can’t get back.'” 

Daniels also added that he spoke with Burrow previously at the 2023 LSU spring game and the two began a "building" relationship. The Washington quarterback said his Bengals counterpart has been keeping an eye on him from afar and watching him develop. 

A night before their Week 3 Monday night matchup, the two were seen together at a Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse in Cincinnati with several other players from both teams and even ESPN sportscasters Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters. Jeff Ruby himself recognized the event, thanking both groups for attending his restaurant. 

As a restaurateur it’s gratifying to have both the Commanders and Bengals dine with us tonight. Players,coaches, owners , GM , retired players , 2 Heisman Trophy winning QBs and the ESPN broadcast team. Thank you all. Our guests enjoyed seeing you.

— Jeff Ruby (@TheRealJeffRuby) September 23, 2024

Joe Burrow vs. Jayden Daniels NFL stats

In their first two games of the season, both Burrow and Daniels have had similar performances despite garnering different results so far. They have each accumulated over 400 passing yards with around 70 percent completions. However, Burrow has Daniels beat in this category because he has two touchdowns to his name while the Commanders quarterback has none. 

On the ground, Daniels is far more efficient, accumulating 132 yards on 26 carries for two scores, whereas Burrow has 24 yards on 10 carries for no scores. Cincinnati is favored to win tonight's matchup by almost a touchdown, and each quarterback will have to find ways to starting scoring more, whether it be on the ground or through the air.

Here's a look at how both of them have fared so far through two weeks of regular season play.

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Joe Burrow vs. Jayden Daniels LSU stats

Certified LSU legends in their own right, Burrow and Daniels are the first Tigers to claim a Heisman since Billy Cannon in 1959. Though they both won the award deservingly, the 2019 product does have a National Championship to his name while the rookie does not. 

It's worth noting Burrow played three more games than Daniels, including the 2019 SEC Championship Game and both BCS playoff games on the way to a title win over Clemson. Here's how each quarterback played in their respective final seasons before entering the NFL Draft.