Former LSU star Jayden Daniels surprises Marine Corps veteran with trip to Super Bowl.

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels may have lost his final game of the season, but he is giving back in a big way off the field.

Daniels, now with the Washington Commanders, teamed up with USAA and the Marine Corps Association to send Marine Corps veteran Jonathan Knauth to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 9.

“Blessed in Season 1! As a grandson of veterans, I’m teaming with @USAA & @MCA_Marines to pass ???? along one more blessing this year. I’m proud to send Jonathan Knauth, a 30-year @USMC vet & lifelong NFL fan, on a trip to #SBLIX. Enjoy the game! #SaluteToService”

Knauth served in the United States Marine Corps from 1993 to 2023, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 in public affairs. His deployments included Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Damayan, and Operation Sahayogi Haat.

Throughout his career, Knauth earned multiple military honors, including the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Legion of Merit.

Daniels, whose grandfathers both served in the military, reflected on the values they instilled in his family.

“Following my first NFL season, I’m feeling overwhelmingly blessed to be in this position, and I credit a lot of the success to my upbringing and the lessons my parents passed down from my grandfathers who served in the military,” Daniels said. “Keeping the important things in perspective, it’s an honor to work with USAA and the Marine Corps Association to thank Jonathan Knauth for his 30 years of military service by sending him to the Super Bowl.”

The USAA and Marine Corps Association partnered to provide Knauth with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as part of their ongoing efforts to recognize military service.

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