Robert Griffin III reacts after Jayden Daniels breaks his NFL rookie rushing record

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels lit the football world on fire during a victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, making some NFL history in the process.

The star first-year signal-caller broke the NFL quarterback rookie rushing record, passing former Washington star Robert Griffin III in the process, who rushed for 815 yards during his rookie season in 2012. Daniels has now amassed 864 yards and six touchdowns with his legs in 16 games.

Instead of being bitter about losing his accolade, Griffin III was complimentary of Daniels in the time afterwards. The record stood for over a decade, and it was a hefty accomplishment from the former Baylor star, but it’s evident there’s nothing but love between the two Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks.

I wanted Jayden Daniels to break my rookie rushing record because I’m not about rooting against the next generation. He EARNED IT. He is the FUTURE. Some of these old heads need to stop drinking all that haterade and lift up these young guys instead of tearing them down. pic.twitter.com/SesP9KTdpM

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 30, 2024

“I wanted Jayden Daniels to break my rookie rushing record because I’m not about rooting against the next generation,” Griffin III posted on X. “He EARNED IT. He is the FUTURE. Some of these old heads need to stop drinking all that haterade and lift up these young guys instead of tearing them down.”

Moreover, Daniels had 737 rushing yards entering last night’s contest, surpassing Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson‘s rookie marks. He continued to make his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year in the process, as he has also thrown 24 touchdown passes and nine interceptions in 16 games. 

As much as the Commanders love seeing Daniels run, they enjoy what he does with his arm. “We’d love to see him remain a passer first,” Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said in September, per Pro Football Talk. “I think it’s going to come with more experience, honestly.

“When I can go extend it to throw it, when, ‘Hey, this plays over, I’ll get rid of it and move on to the next play.’ So, I think you’ll see that trajectory continue as we go.”

Before the draft, Daniels said he wants to be the best running QB in NFL history: “[Vick] was the first, but I think Lamar’s got him now,” Daniels told CBS Sports at the time. “I’m in the league now, so I’m trying to go past them.” 

Daniels, who rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns last season at LSU, also told CBS Sports that running is not the best part of his game. “I would say my football IQ,” he said. “I pride myself on being a smart football player. Being able to eliminate what the defense isn’t doing.

“I kind of have two or three things in my head pre-snap. … Being able to check into runs and check protections based on leverage and stuff like that. I take pride in learning about football and knowing football at a high level.” 

On3’s Brian Jones contributed to this article.