Adulation and praise have been in plentiful supply for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during a rookie campaign that will live long in the memory. But this one probably meant more than most.
C.J. Stroud and Daniels grew up together. They were star high school quarterbacks in California and developed a close bond that stands to this day. They both took college football by storm and have done the same in a professional environment. There is mutual respect and admiration that typically stands the test of time.
C.J. Stroud beams with pride over Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
There is nobody more thrilled about Daniels' immediate impact than Stroud. The No. 2 pick in 2023 who had a phenomenal rookie campaign last time out beamed with pride when speaking about his friend. He stated the impact this will make on the future generation where they grew up and is going to be rooting for Washington the rest of the way.
"That boy's going crazy. I'm so happy for that dude. It's not even just for him, it's the motivation he's giving back home, where we come from, you have no idea. It's giving kids back home hope. I'm super proud of him. He had, in my opinion, the best rookie year of all time. That's what records are for. They're meant to break. As a person, he ain't had it easy. Just his background, losing his grandparents, and the city he's from isn't the easiest place to be brought up in. For him to beat the odds and do what he's doing, I'm so happy and proud. We talk a lot and I'm very happy for him. I don't root for many other teams, but I'm rooting for my boy. I'm rooting for the Commanders."C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud on Jayden Daniels: "In my opinion he's had the best rookie year of all-time. ... I don't root for many other teams, but I'm rooting for my boy. I'm rooting for the Commanders."
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 20, 2025
Respect. pic.twitter.com/HA6RcuIkNI
This depicted Daniels' journey perfectly. He had to fight for everything that came his way. Nothing was given, everything was earned. And when the time came to take that next step and emerge as an NFL superstar, he rose to the challenge.
Daniels took the Commanders from a bottom-feeding laughingstock to Super Bowl contention in a few short months. There are other factors in play, but he instilled the belief that anything is possible when he's on the field.
Not many defenses have had an answer for Daniels this season. His exceptional display of poise and precision in a hostile environment secured a memorable Divisional Round triumph at the Detroit Lions. The Commanders are one win away from reaching the Super Bowl and the signal-caller is the driving force.
The Commanders didn't just draft Daniels because of his on-field talent. They got to know the person and what makes him so special. That left absolutely no doubt in the building that he was the right guy to spearhead this ambitious project.
When Daniels looks back on the season, he'll do so with an enormous sense of pride. Looking at the way things have gone for the dynamic dual-threat up to now, he might be waiting a little while longer for that moment.
Daniels wants to be the best. He wants to reach the pinnacle. If he gets the Commanders past the Philadelphia Eagles and into the Super Bowl, he'll accomplish this goal in double-quick time.