NEW YORK — Jayden Daniels wins ROTY honors after a record-breaking rookie season with the Washington Commanders. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was officially named the 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, Pepsi and the NFL announced Thursday.
“I am honored and blessed to be named the 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year,” Daniels said. “Thank you to the fans who voted and to my teammates and coaches who made this possible.”
Jayden Daniels Wins ROTY After Historic Rookie Season
Daniels’ performance shattered NFL rookie records and helped lift the Commanders to a 12-5 regular season and multiple postseason wins. He led all rookie quarterbacks in:
- Completion percentage: 69.0% (Best ever by a qualified rookie QB)
- Passer rating: 100.1
- Rushing yards: 891 (Most by a rookie QB in NFL history)
- Rushing TDs: 6
He also ranked:
- 2nd in passing yards: 3,568
- 2nd in passing touchdowns: 25
Daniels finished with 37 total touchdowns (passing + rushing) and 5,416 combined yards, including the playoffs — both NFL records for a rookie quarterback.
A Rookie Season for the Ages
Daniels started and won 14 games this season — including the playoffs — tying Ben Roethlisberger’s 2004 rookie win total for most ever. He also became just the fourth rookie QB to start and win multiple postseason games, joining:
- Joe Flacco (2008)
- Mark Sanchez (2009)
- Brock Purdy (2022)
Fan Favorite and Team Leader
Daniels earned the ROTY award through a combination of weekly voting and season-long performance. Fans voted each week at NFL.com/Rookies, and Daniels was consistently recognized throughout the year.
In fact, Daniels set the record for most awards, earning it 11 times during his rookie season. He surpassed Ben Roethlisberger, who won it ten times in 2004.
The award highlights Daniels’ rapid ascension into NFL stardom and cements his status as a franchise quarterback for a Commanders team heading back to postseason relevance.
“I can’t wait to see everyone again in 2025,” Daniels said.
Other Finalists for ROTY
Daniels edged out five other standout rookies:
- Brock Bowers, TE (Raiders)
- Bucky Irving, RB (Buccaneers)
- Malik Nabers, WR (Giants)
- Bo Nix, QB (Broncos)
- Brian Thomas Jr., WR (Jaguars)
This marks the 23rd year Pepsi has presented the Rookie of the Year award as part of its official partnership with the NFL.
What’s Next After Jayden Daniels Wins ROTY
With the Rookie of the Year trophy secured, Daniels now turns his focus to a bright 2025 season. Washington fans are already anticipating another leap as the 23-year-old QB continues to grow into one of the NFL’s most dynamic dual threats.
Daniels’ 2024 Season Stats (Including Playoffs):
- 3,568 passing yards
- 25 passing TDs
- 891 rushing yards
- 6 rushing TDs
- 100.1 passer rating
- 14 total wins