After leading the Washington Commanders to their first playoff victory in almost two decades, rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels credited his on-field success to his deep faith in God.
In a postgame interview with NBC following the Commanders’ 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night, Daniels was asked how he stayed so “calm” and “poised” while guiding his team to a game-winning drive with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, ultimately culminating in a field goal as time expired.
“My trust in the Lord God,” the 24-year-old NFL Rookie of the Year contender answered confidently. “I don’t have to worry about anything. I give all my worries to Him.”
Daniels emphasized that he had faith that “He’ll take care of the rest,” reaffirming his belief in God’s guidance.
Daniels wasn’t the only one to express his Christian faith during the postgame interview. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner also took a moment to share his thoughts, saying, “Can we send our thoughts and prayers to California and L.A.,” in reference to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, his hometown. Wagner assured those affected that the team was keeping them in their thoughts, adding, “God bless.”
This victory marked Washington’s first playoff win since the then-Redskins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-10 on January 7, 2006.
Daniels, who claimed the Heisman Trophy as college football’s top player in 2023, has never shied away from expressing his faith. After a thrilling last-second win over the Chicago Bears on October 27, where Daniels orchestrated a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown pass, he simply said, “Nothing but God, man.”
The former Louisiana State University star, who had been battling an injury, reflected on his recovery, attributing his ability to play to “a lot of long hours, long days.” He continued, “I put myself in a position to go out there, but it’s nothing but God.” He added, “All glory to God.”
In September, after a flawless performance in a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, Daniels gave credit to his teammates but emphasized, “Most importantly, give credit to God.” Upon learning that he had set a new rookie record for the highest completion percentage in NFL history, Daniels humbly responded, “Give glory to God, man. I wouldn’t be in this position without Him. I can’t do anything without Him.”
The Commanders, who ended the season with a 12-5 record, will face the Detroit Lions in Detroit on Saturday. Detroit finished as the NFC’s top seed with a 15-2 record. The winner of this matchup will advance to the NFC Championship on January 26, with the NFC champion set to face the AFC champion in Super Bowl LIX on February 9 in New Orleans.
