Former LSU Heisman Trophy quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow claimed honors at the annual NFL Honors awards show in New Orleans at the legendary Saenger Theatre on Thursday night.
Daniels earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year while Burrow claimed the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Daniels became LSU’s third Offensive Rookie of the Year, joining Odell Beckham Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase. Former Tigers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas were finalists for this year’s award and all were drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In his first season in Washington, Daniels had as good a rookie season as any quarterback in NFL history. He led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game and joined Dak Prescott and Ben Roethlisberger as the only rookie quarterbacks since 1935 to win 12 games. He also become the first rookie in league history to pass for 3,500-yards and rush for 750-yards.
Daniels completed 69 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. He established the NFL record for rushing yards by a rookie quarterback with 891.
Burrow led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and TDs (43) after having 2023 cut short to a wrist injury. He became only the third quarterback in NFL history to have at least 4,500 passing yards and 40 passing TDs, while throwing fewer than 10 interceptions, joining Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
Burrow was also a finalist for NFL Most Valuable Player, finishing fourth.
Burrow became LSU’s first Heisman Trophy winner since Billy Cannon in 1959 when he claimed the honor in 2019. Daniels followed by winning the Heisman Trophy in 2023.