All About Jayden Daniels' Parents, Javon Daniels and Regina Jackson

NFL running back Jayden Daniels had two of his biggest cheerleaders in the stands for major career milestones on and off the field: his parents, Javon Daniels and Regina Jackson.

The couple first met as teenagers. Both went to Cajon High School in San Bernardino, California, which their son would later attend and change the school’s football program for the better, according to Tribune for players.

After high school, Jayden played three years of football at Arizona State University before transferring to Louisiana State University in 2022. In 2023, Jayden received the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns and running for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns that season, according to the NFL.

Javon and Regina were in the audience to witness Jayden receive the highly coveted trophy.

“The word perseverance is that little Jayden,” Regina said before the Heisman Trophy ceremony. “The patience that he has, the resilience to continue day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute, to be the best version of himself … just to watch him get up at 5:30 in the morning to be great, it’s really hard to describe.”

Javon added: “Everyone is proud of him. Our families came together and supported him… I know his mom is proud of him. I know I’m proud.”

In May 2024, Jayden was drafted into the NFL by the Washington Commanders. Seven weeks into the first season, the fullback suffered a rib injury, but Regina assured fans on Xu (formerly Twitter) that “he’s fine.”

Here’s everything you need to know about Jayden Daniels’ parents and biggest fans, Javon Daniels and Regina Jackson.

They raised Jayden in San Bernardino

Jayden Daniels during a game at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Jonathan Bachman/Getty

Local to the area, the couple went on to put down roots in San Bernardino, where they raised Jayden. The city is where their son started his career – but as Jayden later admitted, it wasn’t always considered the safest area to grow up.

“I won’t say it was bad, but there was violence and gangs everywhere… There would be fights, obviously. But behind the scenes, some kids started to associate themselves with gangs, thinking they were this and that,” Jayden wrote in a letter to Tribune for players. “I don’t think my parents were ever worried about me leaving like that, to be honest. My mom and my dad didn’t play it. I was also not an easily influenced child. But I mean, there was always a concern. You can always end up in the wrong situation, in the wrong place, at the wrong time.”

Javon played football in college

Jayden Daniels celebrates with his parents on his graduation day on November 25, 2023.

Gerald Herbert/AP

After playing football at Cajon High School, Javon was a cornerback at the University of Washington. However, he eventually joined the defensive roster in 1998 at Iowa State University, where he wore jersey no. 10.

“My dad studied at Washington State and Iowa State. He played cornerback and growing up he always wanted me to play cornerback because he knew I could have the height to play that position,” Jayden told the 2019 ASUDevils, adding that he decided to carve out a path as a fullback.

Regina also has a daughter

Jayden Daniels during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers on November 25, 2023.

John Korduner/Icon Sportswire/Getty

Regina is a mother of two children. She first welcomed a daughter named Bianca in January 1999, before welcoming Jayden on December 18, 2000. The trio are extremely close; while Jayden has been playing football, Bianca is busy making a name for herself in the film industry. Regina is equally proud of both of them, and often speaks of their efforts on social networks.

In an emotional tribute to Bianca on her 21st birthday, Regina reflected on trying to be her daughter’s “biggest hero”.

“21 years ago I was lost. I didn’t know how I would raise a child, I didn’t know if I would let her down or be her biggest hero, I cried trying to understand if I made the right choices for her and gave her everything in me… You helped me grow into the woman I am today. I see a beautiful soul that has the tenacity to never give up and thank you for that because I will never give up,” Regina captioned a gallery of mother-daughter photos.

Javon inspired Jayden to play football

Jayden Daniels after the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 16, 2023 in Starkville, Mississippi.

Justin Ford/Getty

“When he was old enough to walk, I gave him the ball and said, ‘You’re going to do this.’ He took that ball and ran with it,” Javon told Marty Smith moments before Jayden was announced as the Heisman winner.

Jayden shared a similar anecdote during a press event at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. “My dad played major league football,” he told reporters. “He trained me, so football was always in my hands. He inspired me and then went from there [I] I just fell in love with the game.”

They are Jayden’s biggest fans

Jayden Daniels during the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers on January 1, 2024.

Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire/Getty

At every game, fans can see Javon and Regina cheering on their son from the stands. While accepting the 2023 Heisman Trophy, the quarterback gave his father a hearty salute.

“Dad, you put a soccer ball in my hands when I was young. I know you raised me to be a corner, but I hope now the decision to play cornerback has paid off,” Jayden said to a room full of laughter. “You taught me how to play, lead and be calm no matter the situation, and I know I wouldn’t be on this stage if it wasn’t for you. Well, thank you, I love you.”

On Pivot Podcast in December 2023, Jayden praised Regina for the sacrifices she made — and continues to make — to be by his side every step of the way. “My mother never missed a game,” he said. “If it’s raining outside, it’s going to be outside. If it is minus [negative] degrees, he’ll be out there standing the whole time making sure to cheer me on.”

He added of his parents: “I am very grateful to them for everything they have done for me.”

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Source: HIS Education