Jayden Daniels Named 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year

Jayden Daniels, the standout quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has been named the 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year following a record-breaking debut season. Selected second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU, Daniels wasted no time establishing himself as a game-changer for the Commanders and one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Rookie Season Highlights

• Passing:Daniels completed 331 of 480 passes (69%) for 3,568 yards, throwing 25 touchdowns with just 9 interceptions. His impressive performance earned him a 100.1 passer rating.

• Rushing:A dual-threat quarterback, Daniels set a new NFL record for rookie quarterbacks by rushing for 891 yards on 148 attempts, scoring 6 touchdowns on the ground.

• Awards:In addition to the prestigious Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award, Daniels earned multiple “Pepsi Rookie of the Week” honors, won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September, and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) and Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Transforming the Commanders

Daniels’ impact on the Commanders was immediate and transformative. After a disappointing 4-13 season in 2023, the team rebounded under his leadership to finish 12-5 in 2024. The remarkable turnaround culminated in an NFC Championship appearance, a feat few anticipated at the start of the season.

Commanders head coach Eric Bieniemy praised Daniels’ poise and versatility throughout the season. “Jayden brought a new dynamic to this team. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs changed the way we approached every game,” Bieniemy said.

Future Star

NFL analysts have lauded Daniels for his composure, football IQ, and athleticism, projecting him as a cornerstone for the Commanders’ future success. CBS Sports described him as “the complete package,” while Pro Football Focus highlighted his efficiency and decision-making as key factors in the Commanders’ resurgence.

Daniels’ historic rookie season not only earned him individual accolades but also cemented his role as a leader for a franchise looking to build sustained success. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what he will accomplish in his sophomore campaign.

With Daniels at the helm, the Washington Commanders have undoubtedly found their franchise quarterback — a player capable of rewriting records and redefining expectations for years to come.