After Jayden Daniels shattered the rookie quarterback rushing record, Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson expressed his excitement over the Washington Commanders’ star’s remarkable performance. The NBA legend praised Daniels for his impressive game, which included a game-winning touchdown and a record-breaking rushing yard total.
Just recently, Daniels etched his name in NFL history by breaking the rookie quarterback rushing record previously held by Robert Griffin III. In a thrilling game against the Atlanta Falcons, Daniels not only showcased his rushing prowess but also led the Washington Commanders to a dramatic 30-24 overtime victory. With this win, the Commanders secured a wild-card playoff berth, marking a significant achievement in Daniels’ inaugural season.
Daniels had a standout performance, rushing for a career-high 127 yards on just 16 carries, averaging an impressive 7.9 yards per attempt. His remarkable effort pushed his total rushing yards for the season to 864, surpassing Griffin’s record set in 2012. The young quarterback’s ability to make plays with his legs proved crucial, especially during the second half and overtime, where he accumulated 103 of those rushing yards.
The game-winning moment came when Daniels executed a critical 16-yard scramble on third-and-2, setting the stage for the final touchdown pass to Zach Ertz. With just 2:42 left in overtime, Daniels connected with Ertz from four yards out, sealing the game and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Fans erupted in chants of “MVP!” as they recognized the significance of his contributions.
NBA Legend Magic Johnson Reacts to Washington Commanders Rookie QB Jayden Daniels’ Big Game
Daniels’ big game led to fans and critics sharing their thoughts about his performance, the NBA icon included. Johnson’s reaction can be seen in a tweet he shared on his official X account.
I want to also congratulate Jayden Daniels for setting the record for most rushing yards by a rookie QB! 👏🏾 https://t.co/ZdykSFF6Jf
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 30, 2024
Throughout the season, Daniels demonstrated remarkable consistency, highlighted by his efficient running and passing. He entered the game averaging nearly 5.76 yards per carry and had already recorded six rushing touchdowns alongside his 25 passing touchdowns. However, his success was evident in games where he rushed effectively, as the Commanders struggled in the few games where he was held to minimal yardage.
Johnson expressed his support for Daniels by congratulating him for the said feat. For his part, Griffin emphasized the importance of uplifting the next generation and congratulated Daniels for earning his place in history. With his record-breaking performance, Daniels not only solidified his status as a rising star but also set the stage for a promising future in the NFL.
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