President-elect Donald Trump may not have an official vote for NFL Rookie of the Year, but if he did, he made it clear there’s no doubt who would earn his nod. Earlier this week, Trump sat down with Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for a wide-ranging discussion that included everything from infrastructure plans to sports.
During the conversation, Trump offered high praise for Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, hailing him not only as the likely Offensive Rookie of the Year but also suggesting he could be in the MVP conversation.
Trump’s Admiration for Daniels
“I’m not gonna talk about any specifics about [the] RFK [stadium site],” Bowser said, via NBC Washington. “It came up, like, on a very high level in conversation … He was well-aware of Jayden Daniels and why he should be the rookie of the year and possibly the MVP.”
Trump’s endorsement comes at a time when Daniels is already the overwhelming favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, according to oddsmakers in Las Vegas. The dual-threat quarterback has been electrifying in his debut season, seamlessly transitioning from college standout at LSU to a rising star in the NFL.
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Daniels’ Stellar Rookie Season
Daniels’ stats speak for themselves. He has completed 69.4 percent of his passes for 3,530 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. His versatility as a dual-threat quarterback is evident, with an additional 864 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
Last weekend, Daniels further cemented his case with a clutch game-winning drive in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons, securing a playoff spot for the Commanders. His poise and ability to perform under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz, who joined the Commanders this season, had high praise for his young teammate.
“It comes down to having a really good quarterback in this league,” Ertz said to ESPN. “And from the moment I got here, seeing Jayden out there, I continually said this guy isn’t someone that’s going to be good, he’s good now. And when you have that position situated in this league, you have a chance. This organization is in a great spot for years to come.”
Trump’s Broader NFL Interest
This isn’t Trump’s first foray into football opinions. The president-elect, who has long been a vocal supporter of the sport, previously owned the New Jersey Generals of the now-defunct USFL and has maintained a keen interest in NFL developments over the years. His backing of Daniels further underscores his involvement in popular sports conversations.
What’s Next for Daniels and the Commanders?
Daniels’ breakout season has positioned the Commanders for their first playoff appearance in years, and the NFL world is eager to see how the rookie handles the postseason pressure. With an already impressive résumé in his first year, Daniels has quickly become the face of a franchise on the rise.
For now, Daniels can count on support not just from his teammates and fans but also from the future President of the United States, whose endorsement only adds to the quarterback’s growing legacy. Whether he takes home Offensive Rookie of the Year or even sneaks into the MVP conversation, one thing is certain: Jayden Daniels has arrived, and the league is taking notice.
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