The Washington Commanders have rapidly transformed from struggling contenders to one of the NFL’s most promising teams, capturing attention as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. Central to this optimistic outlook is Jayden Daniels, whose emerging talent is viewed as vital to the franchise’s ambition to return to Super Bowl glory.
For years, Commanders fans endured frustration, with just six playoff appearances across three decades. This recent upswing, however, has brought widespread excitement, including from franchise legend Joe Theismann, a former MVP and Super Bowl winner who sees Daniels as a major catalyst for the team’s bright future.
Joe Theismann Reflects on His Time with Washington and Rising Hope
Joe Theismann’s 12-year NFL career, entirely with the Washington Redskins, featured highs that cemented his status as one of the franchise’s greatest players. His peak came in the early 1980s, particularly during 1982 and 1983, when he earned two Pro Bowl honors and the league’s MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards in 1983.
Theismann led Washington to a victory in Super Bowl 17 and a runner-up finish in Super Bowl 18, experiences that give him a unique perspective on the Commanders’ current journey. Now scheduled to take part in the American Century Championship starting July 11, Theismann spoke with PFSN about the team’s remarkable revival.
Leadership and Management Behind the Commanders’ Turnaround
Theismann praised the Commanders’ leadership, commending both the football operations and ownership for their role in the team’s resurgence.
“I think Dan Quinn and Adam Peters, the GM, and the entire organization did a great job,”
he said, recognizing the commitment at the executive level.
He offered additional praise for the new ownership, led by Josh Harris, highlighting their thoughtful approach.
“The thing I appreciate about Josh so much is that they didn’t come in and start dismantling this organization. They bought it, they took a hard, long look at it, and they said, ‘What do we have? What do we need to do? Who are the people we need to put in place?’”
The ownership’s patience and strategic vision, according to Theismann, have helped lay the foundation for sustained success. He expressed his enthusiasm for what lies ahead:
“It’s really exciting what this football team is going to be able to do.”
Jayden Daniels’ Impact on the Commanders’ Future
Theismann’s enthusiasm, however, centers greatly on Jayden Daniels, whose outstanding rookie season is already turning heads across the league. Daniels set records for rookie quarterbacks and earned the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, signaling his arrival as a franchise cornerstone.
“Jayden is making a world of difference,”
Theismann stated, emphasizing Daniels’ unique qualities. Unlike many young quarterbacks focused solely on personal achievement, Daniels carries a rare mindset.
“He doesn’t want to be good — he wants to be great.”
What stands out most is Daniels’ team-first attitude, which Theismann believes is uncommon, especially so early in a player’s career.
“But it’s not that ‘all-about-me’ kind of syndrome. He’s all about the football team. He’s all about him getting better as well as the team getting better, and I think he’s extremely well respected by his teammates.”
The Promise of a Bright Future for Washington
With a franchise icon like Joe Theismann publicly backing Daniels, the young quarterback’s trajectory appears destined for even greater accomplishments. The Commanders have risen from a prolonged period of mediocrity to a team many now view as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, thanks largely to smart leadership and Daniels’ emerging role.
The season ahead will test whether Daniels can build on his phenomenal rookie campaign and lead Washington toward the ultimate prize. Theismann’s hope and belief in the Commanders’ future underscore the possibility of a new era in Washington football—a resurgence driven by determination, talent, and steadfast organizational support.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What injury did Jayden Daniels suffer?
A. Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders quarterback, won’t attend practice on Wednesday. He hurt his ribs during their 40-7 victory against the Carolina Panthers three days ago.
Q. Are Jayden Daniels parents?
A. Here is information about Jayden Daniels’ parents, Javon Daniels and Regina Jackson.
Q. What injury did Jayden Daniels have?
A. Jayden Daniels continued practicing despite his hurt ribs. The new quarterback for the Washington Commanders handles his pain and healing day by day. “I’m still in one piece,” Daniels commented.
Q. Who is Jayden Daniels dad?
A. Daniels was born to Javon “Jay” Daniels, a college football cornerback in the late 1990s for the Washington Huskies and Iowa State Cyclones. His mother, Regina Jackson, works as his business manager and became an NFLPA-certified agent in 2024. He also has an older sister named Bianca.