Commanders' Jayden Daniels named PFWA Rookie of the Year after historic season

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 18: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders warms up prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who electrified the NFL with his record-breaking rookie season, has been named the 2024 Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America.

Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU, guided the Commanders to their first playoff berth since 2020 with a dazzling dual-threat performance. 

Starting all 17 games, Daniels completed 69% of his passes (331 of 480) for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, finishing the season with a 100.1 passer rating — seventh-best in the NFL. But it was his prowess on the ground that set him apart.

A historic rookie season

The rookie quarterback rewrote the record books with 891 rushing yards on 148 attempts, setting the NFL single-season rushing record for rookie quarterbacks. 

His six rushing touchdowns and 55 rushing first downs underscored his impact as a playmaker. Daniels became the first player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards in his first five career games, showcasing his dynamic ability to hurt defenses through the air and on the ground.

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LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 22:  Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates his touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Daniels also made history as the first rookie and only the fifth player ever to record a completion percentage of 80% or higher in four games during a single season. In Week 3, he threw five touchdown passes, becoming just the sixth rookie quarterback in NFL history to achieve that feat. His performance earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 3 and the NFL Offensive Player of the Month award for September.

Joining Washington's elite

Daniels’ exceptional season places him among the greats in Washington history. He is the second player in franchise history to win PFWA Rookie of the Year honors, joining running back Mike Thomas, who claimed the award in 1975. He’s also the second Washington player to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year, following in the footsteps of Robert Griffin III, who won the title in 2012.

Leading the Commanders to success

Daniels’ contributions propelled the Commanders to the playoffs, revitalizing the franchise and energizing its fanbase. His 31 total touchdowns (25 passing, six rushing) were second among all NFL rookies, as were his 3,568 passing yards. He finished second in rushing yards among quarterbacks league-wide, cementing his status as one of the NFL's brightest young stars.

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