A Glimpse of Glory
Jayden Daniels was walking around midfield when the celebrations ratcheted up a notch in New Orleans. Coolers were lifted into the air and the Gatorade showers began, a tantalizing taste of what could have been for the young quarterback. Only a day later, barely a mile up the road, the Philadelphia Eagles were toasting one of the finest Super Bowl wins of recent times. Daniels, on the other hand, was confined to the sidelines of the nearby convention center where, on Saturday night of Super Bowl week, he watched some of the world’s biggest streamers do battle in flag football. It served as a fun appetizer, but also a stark illustration of how close and yet how far the rookie had come from reaching the biggest game of all.
From Rock Bottom to the Gates of Glory
During an astonishing first season in the NFL, Jayden Daniels helped coach Dan Quinn transform the Washington Commanders. The California native began the year as the No. 2 draft pick out of LSU, a role that seemed daunting given Washington’s recent history. In 2023, the team had finished bottom of the NFC East with a dismal 4-13 record. They hadn’t won in the postseason since 2005—a barren run stretching nearly 7,000 days. Yet, only a year on, with new owners, a new coach, a new quarterback, and a new general manager, the Commanders reached the NFC Championship game for the first time in 33 years. ‘It was nothing but a blessing,’ Daniels told Mail Sport, reflecting on his first season. The highlight? ‘Winning our first playoff game,’ he said, a moment that saw him orchestrate a nerveless final drive in the dying minutes against the Buccaneers in Tampa.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year
The quarterback was named offensive rookie of the year at the recent NFL Honors in New Orleans. It was a moment of personal triumph, but Daniels was quick to share the credit. ‘Where do I start? Crazy, crazy,’ he said after collecting the award. Daniels thanked God, his mother, and his family, but he also extended his gratitude to the Commanders and Washington’s new owner Josh Harris, ‘for changing my life.’ Off the field, the Harris group’s investment in the team was evident, from improved training equipment to a more personalized canteen menu. Players were now asked what they actually wanted to eat, a stark contrast to the previous system where meals were simply plated up without choice. ‘They’re open to receiving criticism and recommendations,’ Obada said, highlighting the team’s willingness to adapt and improve.
The Power of Teamwork and Leadership
Inside the Commanders’ locker room, the transformation was palpable. ‘To see what we were able to accomplish this season has been mind-blowing,’ defensive end Efe Obada said. The first signs of change came all the way back in May, during the team’s organized team activities (OTAs). ‘I’ve been a part of changes of head coaches and regime before… usually it takes about a year, two years, maybe three for everyone to feel and understand and buy in,’ Obada shared. This time, it was different. Quinn, the former Falcons head coach who replaced Ron Rivera last February, emphasized building a brotherhood from the get-go. ‘He came into the building and his emphasis was getting to know everyone… building that brotherhood, getting to know your fellow teammates and your coaches—not just on a surface level, on a deeper level,’ Obada explained. Players were encouraged to share their stories, from their family backgrounds to their high school mascots. This deep connection helped the team face adversity with unity and support.
The Star is Born
Jayden Daniels quickly emerged as the star the Commanders had been seeking for decades. At the end of his first season, the former Heisman Trophy winner, now 24, ranked fourth among 32 NFL quarterbacks, higher than Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, but his real magic lay in his legs. The former high school track star also rushed for 891 yards and six scores, setting NFL rookie records for rushing yards, points per game (28.5), and completion percentage (69%). No quarterback came close to being as effective with their legs, and his game-winning Hail Mary against the Bears was ‘the real turning point’ for Obada. ‘Okay, this is happening,’ he thought. ‘The script is working in our favor.’ Obada already knew Daniels was special, noting his early morning dedication and his eagerness to learn from veterans. ‘He’s a kid… a normal, humble, down-to-earth guy,’ Obada said. ‘He cracks jokes, he’s funny at times—when he’s not talking about you. Just a kid living his dreams… he’s just a star.’
The Road Ahead
Now, the challenge for Quinn, Daniels, and new general manager Adam Peters is to go one better next year. ‘We’ve arrived, and that changes expectations,’ Harris said recently, emphasizing the team’s ambition. ‘We’re nowhere near where our ceiling’s going to be and that fires me up,’ Quinn added, underscoring the team’s potential. The Commanders were the last team to beat the Eagles, back in December, and they now have the foundations in place, along with around $70 million in cap space, the third-highest figure in the NFL. ‘This is the window,’ Obada said. ‘You got a lot of money. You’ve got a quarterback that’s elite. Where are the holes? Where do we need players that we feel can elevate what we did last year? Now is the time.’ With the momentum and resources at their disposal, the Commanders are poised to make a serious run for the Super Bowl in the coming season.
