Ex-Sun Devils Jayden Daniels, Antonio Pierce linking up with athlete representation firm

Former Arizona State Sun Devils Jayden Daniels, his mother Regina Jackson and Antonio Pierce are joining forces once again.

Last week, Daniels was named as the brand ambassador of a new agency called Athletes in Control. Jackson, who is a certified agent, was announced as a co-founder. Pierce will take on a strategic advisor role.

“Athletes in Control (AIC) is a full-service representation firm dedicated to empowering athletes to own their future through personalized support, strategic insight and real-world mentorship,” the agency said in a press release. “With more than 25 years of college- and NFL-level experience combined with a team of proven business people, AIC equips athletes to make smarter decisions, protect their value and build enduring brands.”

Pierce most recently served as the Las Vegas Raiders head coach. He was fired after just one full season on the job in January.

Sun Devils fans, however, likely remember Pierce for his time at ASU under former head coach Herm Edwards and the messy exit that came with it.

After rising up the ranks from linebackers coach to recruiting coordinator, co-defensive coordinator and associate head coach, Pierce became the primary target in an NCAA investigation focused on recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period.

The NCAA handed down an eight-year show-cause punishment for the violations upon conclusion of the investigation. Former defensive analyst Anthony Garnett also “participated in a program wide effort to engage in impermissible recruiting activities” in 2020, the NCAA wrote. Garnett got a five-year ban.

It was also discovered that Jackson played a role in the recruiting violations.

Pierce resigned ahead of the 2022 season before Edwards was fired midseason.

ASU also entered into a four-year probationary period that included a 2023 self-imposed postseason ban, vacated records and a fine, the NCAA announced last year.

Daniels, meanwhile, transferred to LSU for his final two years of college ball.

He went out with a bang, too, taking home the 2023 Heisman Trophy before landing with the Washington Commanders as the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft.

In his first year with the Commanders, Daniels took home Offensive Rookie of the Year behind 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns on 69% passing. He added another 891 yards and six scores on 148 rushing attempts.

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