Jayden Daniels was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft with the fate of the Washington Commanders' franchise in the palm of his hand. But to head coach Dan Quinn, he was just another rookie.
The Commanders had high hopes for Daniels. They believed he could spearhead the team's renaissance and finally provide stability to football's most important position. Even so, those in power didn't want to hand him everything on a silver platter.
Daniels had to work his way up like everyone else. The Commanders wanted to maintain a sense of urgency and keep the signal-caller grounded. They knew this was the best way for him to earn the respect of his peers.
It didn't take long for that to arrive. Daniels' relentless work ethic, meticulous preparation, and egoless aura won over veterans and young players alike. Everyone bought in quickly. What followed was a miraculous campaign that came within one game of the Super Bowl.
The former LSU standout was a revelation. Daniels took the NFL by storm and inspired his team through elite-level production, outstanding composure, and developing the flair for the big moment. It wasn't enough in the end, but the future looks incredibly bright with the Heisman Trophy winner under center.
Commanders made Jayden Daniels earn everything, just the way he wanted it
Daniels delved deeper into his rookie integration when speaking to Kay Adams on Radio Row. The signal-caller revealed that he was on the fringes initially. Nothing was given, which is exactly the way he wanted it.
I had to earn everything. There was nothing given. I wasn't a captain, I wasn't a leader, I wasn't part of the leadership group. I had to earn that. I had to earn the starting role. They really treated me like another player but essentially I was a rookie still. I wanted to earn everything. I wanted to earn the respect of the coaches, my teammates. If they just came in and handed me everything, I wouldn't have felt right with that. There's guys that have been in the league 10-plus years. I to earn the right to talk trash to Bobby [Wagner] and earn the right through my play.Jayden Daniels via Up and Adams
The Commanders knew Daniels' mentality would take on this challenge. It provoked a positive response and got his teammates to sit up and take notice. Terry McLaurin, Sam Cosmi, and Bobby Wagner were among the first. Everyone else fell into line soon after.
It was the sprinkle of magic that ignited the Commanders.
Quinn set the tone. Kliff Kingsbury and his offensive staff helped Daniels remain calm amid the chaos. Everything was implemented methodically throughout the season. When the shackles came off in Week 3 at the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, the Cajon High School product took off.
And now, Daniels is officially the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Not that there was any doubt about that.
Even after such a phenomenal first season, there will be no complacency from Daniels. He's already working hard to go one better next time around. If anything, there's added fire after coming so close only to suffer defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles.
That's a scary thought for everybody. And the Commanders did their part by allowing Daniels to carve out his path and not take anything for granted.
