Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been selected as the 2024 Pepsi® Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year.
The former LSU star and No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, recorded the highest completion percentage by a qualified rookie quarterback in league history. Daniels also has the most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback in NFL history and the fourth-highest passer rating by a qualified rookie quarterback.
Daniels also led all qualified rookie quarterbacks in passer rating (100.1), completion percentage (69.0), rushing yards (891), and rushing touchdowns (six). He ranked second in passing yards (3,568) and touchdown passes (25).
“I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support,” said Daniels. “I also want to thank my coaches and teammates. I would not be able to accept this award without you. I am honored and blessed to be named the 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year. Thank you to all the fans who took the time to vote for me all season, it is truly a privilege to play for you and I can’t wait to see everyone again in 2025!”
Daniels started and won 14 games, including the playoffs, which tied the record for most wins by a rookie quarterback with Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger (2004).
He also became the fourth rookie quarterback all-time to start and win multiple playoff games, joining Joe Flacco (2008 with Baltimore), Brock Purdy (2022 with San Francisco), and Mark Sanchez (2009 with the New York Jets).
Daniels had 37 combined passing and rushing touchdowns, and 5,416 combined passing and rushing yards this season (including the playoffs), both the most ever by a rookie quarterback in NFL history.
Daniels was one of six finalists nominated for the award. The other finalists were Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, New York Giants wide receiver and former LSU star Malik Nabers, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and Jaguars wide receiver and former LSU star Brian Thomas Jr.