LSU's Jayden Daniels, Raising Cane's founder partner up to donate bikes to charities
LSU’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves partnered up Monday to donate 100 bikes and helmets to the Boys and Girls Club and Big Buddy Baton Rouge.
Graves, a Baton Rouge native, also presented Daniels with a $25,000 check for the Greg Brooks Jr. Victory Fund. The Tiger Athletic Foundation in October launched the fund to help cover expenses for the senior safety who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, medulloblastoma.
Daniels opted out of playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Day against Wisconsin and will enter the NFL draft. During Monday’s bike donation, he told local media that he’s always wanted to give back and help children.
“This is something that I always wanted to do is to just give back,” Daniels told WAFB Channel 9 in Baton Rouge. “Me growing up, I always wanted to be a role model.”
Graves said the donation has a special place in his heart, rekindling Christmas memories when he was a child.
“Growing up, I received a bike every year for Christmas, and it was one of the most impactful memories of my childhood,” Graves told the television station. “I remember the joy and excitement it brought me back then – and still does today as this tradition has continued into adulthood – and I want to recreate that same special moment for youth in need across the country.”
Daniels signed an NIL deal with Raising Cane’s before the start of the season. He even promoted the brand shortly after winning the Heisman Trophy.
The fast-food chicken finger chain has become a popular brand in the NIL Era, inking notable agreements with Stetson Bennett, Trey Benson, the Cavinder Twins and Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson.
Bennett, Reese and Johnson all held events at Raising Cane’s in their college towns after winning national championships in their respective sport. LSU baseball players held a similar event in June after claiming the program’s seventh College World Series crown.
Jayden Daniels thanks LSU fans for support
As part of his announcement that he was opting out of the bowl game, Jayden Daniels shared a “Thank You” video on Monday for LSU fans. Daniels spent the last two years in Baton Rouge after transferring from Arizona State.
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During an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, Daniels opened up about his time in college football and what he’s going to look back on, starting with the effort he put into the game and gave to the Tigers.
“I gave college football everything I had, especially at LSU,” Daniels said. “I poured my heart into this university. I’m excited as the future moves on for my next journey and adventure, but I just love being here. I love building relationships in college football. Those are the times you don’t get back.”
Daniels could vault up NFL draft Board
Daniels had a career year, leading LSU to a 9-3 record and becoming only the third quarterback to win the Heisman despite three losses. But he did all he could on the field.
Daniels finished with 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, four interceptions, a 72.2% completion percentage, 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
“So he’s done everything possible to enhance where he is right now,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper said. “And to take this monumental leap up the board to No. 8 is phenomenal. It speaks to him going back. That was a decision (Jayden Daniels) had to make and he had talked to a lot of people … and he made that call. He made an incredible decision, Heisman Trophy, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and now possibly a top 10 pick maybe even at that two, three, four spot.
“That’s why kids that are watching and say ‘Oh, I’m gonna come out.’ Why? Why come out early? You know, go back, play. Experience is the best teacher and that was way it worked out for Jayden Daniels.”