Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud set records during his rookie season en route to reviving a bottom-dwelling franchise toward the divisional round.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels did even more a season later.
“I’m so proud of him. In my opinion, he’s had the best rookie year of all-time,” Stroud said of Daniels on Monday following Houston’s exit from the divisional round.
Daniels, who’s one game away from being the first rookie in league history to play in the Super Bowl, has been on a tear this postseason. After guiding Washington to a 12-5 record, Daniels has thrown for 567 yards and four touchdowns and has yet to have a turnover.
C.J. Stroud on Jayden Daniels: “In my opinion he’s had the best rookie year of all-time. … I don’t root for many other teams, but I’m rooting for my boy. I’m rooting for the Commanders.”
Respect. pic.twitter.com/HA6RcuIkNI
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 20, 2025
On the biggest stage, Daniels responded to being on the biggest stage of his career by going 22-of-31 with 299 yards and two touchdowns in Detroit. In two postseason games, he has a passer rating of 122.9.
Stroud, who hails from Rancho Cucamonga, praised the San Bernardino native for his ability to represent the state of California for the next crop of young talent.
“I’m so happy for that dude, not only just for him. The motivation that he’s giving, back home where we come from, you have no idea,” Stroud said.
“It’s giving kids back home hope that they can do it, too.”
When asked who he’s pulling for in the conference championship, Stroud didn’t hesitate to show a bit of Cali bias.
C.J. Stroud will be rooting for the Commanders in the NFC Championship 😤 pic.twitter.com/lDI8NcfU2X
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 20, 2025
“I don’t root for many other teams, but I’m rooting for my boy,” Stroud said. “I’m rooting for the Commanders.”
The second-year quarterback finished the season with a 63.2 completion percentage for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns against 12 interceptions while posting an 87.0 passer rating.
