Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels talked with reporters about his faith after leading the Washington Commanders to their first playoff win in nearly 20 years. The sports sensation attributed his success on the football field to his trust in God. The last playoff win was when the then-Redskins beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-10 on Jan. 7, 2006.
During an interview with NBC after the Commanders beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 Sunday, the rookie quarterback was asked how he remained “so calm” and “so poised.” Jayden Daniels led his team to a dramatic game-winning drive with less than 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Ultimately the commanders were able to kick a field goal to win the win.
He explained that he “Trust[s] in the Lord God.” The 24-year-old star, who is a frontrunner for NFL Rookie of the Year, replied There’s nothing I should worry about, man. Put all my worries on Him.” He expressed that he’s confident that “He’ll take care of the rest.” Daniels was not alone, as multiple players for the commanders expressed their commitment to faith.
Bobby Wagner, a veteran linebacker, asked “Can we send our thoughts and prayers out to California and L.A., “He referred to the wildfire-ravaged city of Los Angeles, his hometown. He comforted those harmed by the fires saying that the team was “thinking about” them, adding “God bless.” Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy, has shared his Christian faith multiple times.
Recently, after a dramatic last-second victory over the Chicago Bears on Oct. 27, he remarked, “Nothing but God, man.” This statement was made after a masterful Hail Mary touchdown pass. The former Louisiana State University star said “Without Him, I don’t even think I’d be playing this week,” about an injury he suffered the week before that almost kept him off the field.
He thought back to “a lot of long hours, long days” involved in his recovery. He stated that I put myself in the position to go out there.” Jayden Daniels yet again used the phrase nothing but God” and gave “all glory to God.” After a textbook victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in September he said he wanted to “give credit to my receiver and my running backs and most importantly, give credit to God.” ESPN called his performance on the Monday Night Football game “flawless.”
When reporters told the quarterback that he had accomplished the highest [completion percentage] for a rookie ever in the history of this league,” Daniels responded, “Give glory to God, man.” He explained “I wouldn’t be in this position without Him. So I can’t do nothing without Him.” For the first time in decades, the Commanders are in a strong position going into the end season.
The Commanders finished their season at 12-5. They will play the Detroit Lions on Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan next. Detroit is the top-seeded team in the National Football Conference boasting a 15-2 record. The winner of that game will advance to the NFC Championship on Jan. 26. On Feb. 9th, the NFC champion will square off against the winner of the American Football Conference Championship in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.