Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was named the 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year early on Thursday before getting another major award later that evening. The rookie sensation has now officially carved his stone in the NFL Honors, being named the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
”Washington Commanders, Josh Harris, thank you for changing my life— for drafting me,” Daniels said in his acceptance speech.
After an electrifying season, leading the Commanders to a historic 12-5 record and an NFC Championship appearance, something the franchise has not achieved since 1991, Daniels’ rookie leadership has been lauded since he stepped on the professional field. He received 11 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week honors out of 18 regular season weeks.
Daniels ended the season as the Commanders leading passer with 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in just 17 games. Let’s not forget that his dominant run game racked up 891 yards and six touchdowns, finishing second in the rankings of Washington’s leading rushers.
Daniels passing and rushing stature is the most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history.
Fans and analysts have long awaited this moment, and Thursday’s NFL Honors just days before Super Bowl LIX sealed the deal on what already had been widely anticipated.
The Commander’s future is shining brighter than ever, as fans finally have an offseason filled with hope and excitement instead of disappointment and worry for the upcoming season. Washington is set to continue to make history.
“The DMV, the Washington fan base, [I] appreciate you guys,” Daniels said. “Thank you to everybody.”