The rookie quarterback who set an NFL record in Monday night's upset win also took time to thank God, telling a national television audience, “Without God we can't do anything.” Washington's Jayden Daniels stunned the entire league by completing 21 of 23 passes for two touchdowns and rushing for another in a 38-33 win over Cincinnati, improving the Commanders to 2-1. His 91.3 percent completion percentage for passes is a new record for a rookie quarterback.
The Commanders were expected to be a rebuilding team this year, but after three weeks they are tied for first place in the division.
“We're just executing. We're executing at a high level. I thank our offensive line, our receivers, our running backs and most of all, I thank God,” he said in a post-game interview with ESPN.
When asked about his rookie record, Daniels added, “It's unbelievable. Give God the glory. Without God, I wouldn't be in this job. So, you can't do anything without God.”
Jayden Daniels played the game of his life. He had the highest passing percentage of any NFL rookie in history. He had more total touchdowns than incompletions. And when he was asked about it, how did he respond? He gave all the glory to God. He got it. He trusted God. pic.twitter.com/UQuz1qDxjs
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 24, 2024
Daniels won the Heisman Trophy at Louisiana State University and was the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft after impressing NFL scouts with his accuracy and speed.
He has made his Christian faith a central element of his public policy.
Following the Week 2 win over the New York Giants, Daniels posted a Bible verse to his Instagram account: “'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways follow the Lord, and he will make your paths straight.'” Proverbs 3:5-6” he wrote.
Before the NFL draft, he Players Tribune“I feel like everything God has put me through has prepared me for a moment like this.”
Daniels also spoke about his faith during his time at Louisiana State University. When asked what advice he would give to young people during the Heisman Trophy ceremony broadcast on ESPN, Daniels replied: “Always believe in yourself. No matter the doubters, no matter what people say, just believe in yourself. Rely on your faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and keep trying.” He later called God “my rock, my savior.”
Daniels at LSU Led He led the NCAA in total yards (412), passing touchdowns (40) and total touchdowns (50) in a single game and his passer rating of 208.01 was the best in FBS history. In a win over Florida, he became the first player in FBS history to pass for 350 yards and rush for 200 yards in the same game.
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Michael Faust He has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years, and his work has appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star and Knoxville News Sentinel.
