Jayden Daniels has been honored for his outstanding inaugural season in the National Football League (NFL), receiving the 2024-25 Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The recognition comes after a remarkable transition from winning the Heisman Trophy to earning accolades as a top rookie in the league. Following his selection as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders, expectations were understandably high for the young quarterback.

Daniels started all 17 regular-season games, achieving an impressive completion rate of 69 percent while accumulating 3,568 passing yards. He threw 25 touchdown passes and recorded only nine interceptions, showcasing poise and accuracy throughout the season. In addition to his passing prowess, Daniels proved to be a dynamic threat on the ground, rushing for 891 yards and scoring six rushing touchdowns. His average of 6.0 yards per carry highlighted his ability to make significant plays with his legs, setting a new single-season rushing record for rookie quarterbacks with one game remaining in the regular season. His performance also earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, further affirming his status as a top newcomer in the league.

The Washington Commanders' overall performance improved markedly during Daniels' first season. The team finished with a 12-5 record, making the playoffs after struggling with a 4-13 record in the previous year. Daniels thrived particularly in the latter part of the season, throwing for 917 yards and 13 touchdowns while only suffering four interceptions in the final four games prior to securing a playoff berth in Week 17. In the postseason, Daniels continued to excel, guiding the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game and achieving the franchise's first postseason victory since the 2005 season. Over three playoff games, he threw for 822 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception while adding 135 rushing yards to his totals. The competition for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award included notable players such as Malik Nabers of the New York Giants, Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders, Brian Thomas Jr. from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos, but Daniels distinguished himself with his remarkable debut season.