Jayden Daniels, the 24-year-old quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has transformed into a dynamic tone-setter for his team as the new NFL season approaches. Daniels became the first runner-up to win the highly coveted Heisman Trophy in 2023 for LSU. Now, he’s taking that momentum to the pros. His character is one of his greatest leadership attributes. Yet he hasn’t only earned these moments through his own performances—he’s gained his teammates’ confidence with consistent play and clutch moments.
Last year, Daniels led the Commanders to their first trip back to the NFC Championship Game in 33 seasons. He won a postseason game, the franchise’s first postseason win since 2005. It’s hard work being an artist, but his personal diligence turned into huge success! He is the 2024 Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Whatever the case, the regular season is right around the corner, and Daniels looks forward to expanding on his success. He’s hellbent on helping his team go even higher.
The talented and athletic young quarterback has come into this preseason armed with a new level of confidence and conviction. This time around, McCown says he’s been more of a mentor and communicator with his teammates than even during his first stint in the NFL. “Last year … you’re trying to get your feet wet. You don’t really know what to feel or what you’re getting yourself into,” Daniels reflected on his rookie season, illustrating his growth over the past year.
On the field, Daniels’ growth has jumped out through his presence and communication. He has taken on a more vocal role in conversations building towards plays and adjustments. He frequently shares his observations with teammates, stating, “This is what I saw [on a play], this is the correct spot, [to make] a change of protection.” It’s this proactive approach that has already earned him respect within the locker room.
His Head coach Dan Quinn has already pointed out how Daniels has grown as a leader to take on this role. “You gain street cred by your performance, by the things that you do. People trust him,” Quinn remarked, emphasizing how Daniels’ consistent execution has helped him establish credibility among his peers. Quinn noted that Daniels is now capable of confidently directing plays: “Hey man, this is what I see. This is where the ball would go.”
A standout moment from last season was Daniels’ incredible 52-yard desperation pass to wide receiver Noah Brown, which secured an 18-15 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 8. In addition, his strong performances have gone a long way in miring reputations as clutch players. They have done a great deal to supercharge his legendary clout in the locker room.
As the Commanders prepare for the upcoming season, Daniels has expressed optimism about reuniting with standout wideout Terry McLaurin, who has been sidelined due to injury. “I’m looking for him to get back out here soon,” Daniels said, further underscoring his desire to have all of his key performers ready to roll when the bullets start flying in earnest.
Daniels just wants to keep his eyes on things that he can control. “I really have to stay focused on my effort, what I can control and how I play. I have to stay focused on what I can do,” he said, underscoring his commitment to continuous improvement.
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