Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been named the 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, a likely precursor to more awards to come.
The Pepsi-sponsored award, announced Thursday, was completed by fan vote. The league’s official award, the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, is one of eight season-ending honors to be given out Thursday night at the NFL Honors ceremony in New Orleans.
Daniels recorded the highest completion percentage (69.0) and the most rushing yards (891) by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. He also led all qualified rookie quarterbacks in passer rating (100.1) and rushing touchdowns (six) and ranked second in passing yards (3,568) and touchdown passes (25).
“I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support,” Daniels said in a news release. “I also want to thank my coaches and teammates. … 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, 24, was selected by the Commanders with the second overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU. He led Washington to the NFC title game, won by the Philadelphia Eagles.
He 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 Malik Nabers, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
