Seahawks Star Apologizes on Behalf of a Teammate, Pledges to Support Jayden Daniels’ Family as the Commanders Star Faces a Hard Road Back
Washington, D.C. — November 3, 2025
On Sunday night, the Seahawks buried the Commanders 38–14. But when the noise faded, the lasting image wasn’t the scoreboard. It was a sorry
Hours after Jayden Daniels crumpled with a left-elbow injury, Darnold—fresh off a four-touchdown masterpiece—FaceTimed the rookie. He didn’t just apologize on behalf of linebacker Drake Thomas for a legal but brutal hit. He went further:
This wasn’t media-friendly lip service. It was a commitment out of pocket from a quarterback who’s bounced through five teams and worn enough injuries to know how fast a life can tilt on one play.
THIS IS A FIREABLE OFFENSE BY DAN QUINN AND THE #COMMANDERS COACHING STAFF:
Leaving your young franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels, in a blowout game, and he then proceeds to have a gruesome injury.
This is negligent and completely unacceptable.
pic.twitter.com/jAminJrxHH — MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 3, 2025
For Daniels—the kid from San Bernardino who became the emotional and financial anchor for his family—the fall in the fourth quarter wasn’t just a setback. It threatened the scaffolding he’s been holding up: college tuition for Jordan, high-school bills for Janae, and the NFL dream he’d only just begun to hold.
“I always thought I was the one who had to protect my family. Today, someone stepped into that role for me… at least until I can stand up again.”
— Jayden Daniels, per a source close to the call
Darnold didn’t sermonize. In a few measured words he said, “I know what it feels like when your family counts on you. If Jayden goes down, somebody has to help him up.”
The tackle by Drake Thomas will be debated for days. But Darnold’s decision turned a social-media storm into a hush of respect. No. 14 didn’t just win a game—he won hearts, including some wearing burgundy and gold.
Chiefs Announce Internal Discipline for JuJu Smith-Schuster After Retaliating to Brian Branch’s Slap — Brett Veach’s Strategy May Help Avoid NFL Suspension
October 15, 2025, Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs have announced internal disciplinary measures against wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster just two days after a heated endgame scuffle with the Detroit Lions, where he retaliated to a forceful slap from safety Brian Branch. The incident occurred during the Chiefs’ 30-17 victory at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, October 13, and while the NFL has yet to issue a final ruling, general manager Brett Veach believes the team’s proactive approach could spare JuJu a league suspension, reinforcing the Chiefs’ image as a professional organization in the eyes of officials and NFL leadership.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, who suffered a bloody nose from Branch’s slap, sparking a brief scrum between the teams, admitted his “retaliatory” response was emotionally driven. In an internal statement partially released on the Chiefs’ official website, the team confirmed a $50,000 fine (deducted from his salary), mandatory emotional control counseling sessions, and a one-day suspension from a full team practice. These measures aim to “promote personal accountability,” per head coach Andy Reid, without impacting JuJu’s availability for upcoming games.
The altercation erupted seconds after QB Patrick Mahomes’ game-ending kneel-down, when Branch (Lions) bypassed the customary handshake and struck JuJu’s helmet, causing him to fall. JuJu quickly rose and lunged back, igniting a short-lived melee. Replay footage deemed Branch’s action “deliberate and unprovoked,” while JuJu’s response was described as “defensive.” Eager to avoid sole reliance on NFL judgment, the Chiefs moved swiftly with internal discipline.
Head coach Andy Reid, speaking at a Tuesday press conference, stated: “JuJu is a vital part of this team, but we don’t tolerate actions that harm our unity. This discipline is for him to grow, and we’re proud to handle it internally before the league digs deeper.” JuJu, via Instagram, expressed regret: “I’m not proud of how I reacted, even if Branch started it. I’ll take the punishment and come back stronger.”
General manager Brett Veach, renowned for shrewd moves like signing JuJu in 2023, is earning praise for his “proactive cooperation” with the NFL. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Veach sent a formal letter to the league on Monday, including internal footage and medical reports on JuJu’s injury, emphasizing his response as “self-defense” and noting the team’s preemptive discipline to “de-escalate.” This could sway the NFL toward a fine (estimated $15,000-$30,000) rather than a suspension, akin to cases like Myles Garrett’s 2019 indefinite ban for initiating violence.
Veach, in a SiriusXM NFL Radio interview, explained: “We’re not waiting for the league to decide. By disciplining internally and being transparent, we show the Chiefs prioritize accountability. This could keep JuJu out of heavier penalties, as the NFL values team cooperation.” This aligns with Veach’s philosophy of “handling in-house to protect assets,” which previously mitigated penalties in cases like Travis Kelce’s.
With a 3-3 record, the Chiefs rely on JuJu (3 receptions, 57 yards vs. Lions) to bolster Mahomes’ offense in their AFC West campaign. The internal discipline won’t affect their Week 7 clash with the 49ers, but any additional NFL fine could sting. Chiefs fans on X rallied behind the move, with #StandWithJuJu hitting 30,000 interactions, though some cautioned: “Hope Veach’s magic keeps JuJu on the field.”
The incident highlights broader NFL discipline issues in 2025, with over 20 scuffles reported (up 10% from 2024). The Lions imposed harsher penalties on Branch (one-game internal suspension and $75,000 fine), and the NFL is expected to announce its ruling by Friday. If Veach’s strategy succeeds, it could set a precedent for teams to preempt league penalties through internal action.
Under Veach’s leadership, the Chiefs continue to navigate crises with calculated precision, turning potential setbacks into opportunities. Whether JuJu escapes a suspension remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kansas City plays chess while others play checkers.
