Football

Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels named Player of the Week, gives 'glory to God'

By Kevin Mercer Sep 26, 2024
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, Sept. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

Quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders, is already proving he was worth such a high selection.

Daniels was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday after his performance Monday night on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, a 38-33 Commanders victory. In only his third game as a professional, Daniels completed an incredible 21 of 23 passes for two touchdowns, 254 yards and no interceptions. He also added 39 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

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Daniels was interviewed on the field following his impressive performance and pointed to everyone but himself.

“Give credit to my O-line, give credit to my receivers, my running backs,” he told ESPN. “And most importantly, give credit to God.”

After being told that his completion percentage (91.3) was the highest ever for an NFL rookie quarterback in a single game, Daniels again deflected the praise.

“That’s crazy. Give glory to God,” he said. “I wouldn’t be in this position without Him, so I can’t do nothing without Him.”

The Commanders are now 2-1 and appear to be contenders in the NFC East; they are tied at the top of the division with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Monday’s victory wasn’t Daniels’ first win as a pro, it saw him throw his first-ever NFL passing touchdown, which went to offensive tackle Trent Scott.

Daniels’ stack of NFL achievements is already piling up. Despite losing in Week 1 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 37-20, Daniels earned NFL Rookie of the Week honors after he threw for 184 yards on 17-of-24 passing and also ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Commanders fans around the country have loved the offensive energy that Daniels — the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner with LSU — has brought to the offense. For many, his talent and playing style are reminiscent of Washington’s last rookie quarterback to be named NFC Offensive Player of the Week: Robert Griffin III in 2012. Griffin also won a Heisman Trophy, with Baylor in 2011, and he was the No. 2 overall pick as well.

Griffin himself was as excited by Daniels as many others, evidenced by his post on X on Monday night. He applauded Daniels’ football performance but also his boldness in sharing his faith. “He gets it. He trusts God,” Griffin wrote.

Daniels has a history of thanking his Father in Heaven, even under the brightest lights in the sport. He began his acceptance speech for the Heisman Trophy by doing so.

“I want to first give thanks to God. … He’s my Rock, my Savior,” Daniels said. “He blessed me with the talents and ability to get here.”

 

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A post shared by Jayden Daniels (@thatkidjayden)

 

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A post shared by Jayden Daniels (@thatkidjayden)


Daniels, who transferred from Arizona State to LSU ahead of the 2022 college football season, credited LSU Director of Player Retention Sherman Wilson with helping him in his transition to the school. Part of Daniels’ transition process involved investing further in his relationship with God and surrendering all control to Him.

“Being around [Wilson], I kind of got back into my faith more, always giving glory to God. [Jesus] died on the cross for us; anything is possible with Him,” the 23-year-old from San Bernardino, California, said last November, according to the LSU athletics website. “Coming back out here, trying to figure out my life, I wanted to stop trying to put so much pressure on me and just give everything to God, letting Him take care of it.

“… As I mature, grow up more and dive deeper into my faith, I just know that it’s God’s plan with everything. As much as I want to rush stuff, I can’t. What’s there for me and what’s meant for me, God’s always going to provide that.”

Another road test looms for Daniels and his Washington teammates, as they travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals (1-2) on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Yet as he continues to garner attention and accolades for his play on the field, Daniels will seek to continue to direct all the praise upward, to the One he knows truly deserves all the praise and honor.

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