Jayden Daniels delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the 2024 NFL season in a thrilling 18-15 victory over the Chicago Bears. With zero seconds left on the clock, Daniels launched a Hail Mary from his own 34-yard line, connecting with Noah Brown for the game-winning touchdown.
The Washington Commanders’ quarterback, battling through a painful rib injury, etched his name into the history books with this unforgettable play, leaving fans and analysts in awe.
Daniels finished the game with 326 passing yards on 21 of 38 attempts, along with one touchdown and no interceptions. His poise under pressure and ability to deliver in the clutch demonstrated why he’s quickly becoming one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league.

NBA superstar Kevin Durant couldn’t contain his excitement as he tweeted:
HAHAHHAA LETS GO @Commanders
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) October 27, 2024
Durant, a native of Washington, D.C., has long supported his hometown teams, and like many fans, he was fired up to see the Commanders pull off such an improbable victory.
NFL insider Adam Schefter was left in disbelief by the incredible moment:
Holy Hail Mary.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2024
The simplicity of Schefter’s reaction speaks to how jaw-dropping the final play was. The Hail Mary is one of the rarest and most difficult feats in football, and seeing it executed perfectly made for an unforgettable highlight.
Sheil Kapadia also shared his thoughts on the perfection of the play:
That has to be the cleanest Hail Mary catch in NFL history.
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) October 27, 2024
Kapadia’s observation highlights the precision of the pass and catch. Noah Brown was in the perfect position to secure the tipped ball, and it looked as though the stars had aligned for Washington at just the right moment.
One fan, Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno), gave a detailed breakdown of Daniels’ incredible throw, emphasizing the difficulty of executing the play, especially with his injury:
Jayden Daniels, on injured ribs, with 0 seconds on the clock, running around from one side of the field to the other, released that ball at his own 34 yard line. It was caught in the end zone. That in absolutely insane. One of the all time greatest plays in Skins history.
— Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno) October 27, 2024
Gersten’s tweet points out just how remarkable Daniels’ play was, particularly given the circumstances. Daniels’ ribs were bruised, and he was visibly in pain, yet he managed to buy enough time to launch the perfect pass. His ability to move and extend the play under such pressure was nothing short of legendary.
NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, part-owner of the Commanders, was ecstatic:
OMGGGG!! The Hail Mary pass from our quarterback Jayden Daniels to Noah Brown with no time on the clock ended up working for my Commanders!! An incredible 18-15 win!
I’m so proud and thankful for Jayden Daniels stepping up to play after his rib injury and leading us to victory.… https://t.co/NPQxt1zCo5
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 27, 2024
Magic Johnson perfectly summed up the feelings of Commanders fans everywhere. The sense of pride and exhilaration was palpable, especially with Daniels battling through adversity to lead the team to victory.
Another fan, @That_Hurts, added:
Well that officially puts an end to the Caleb Williams Vs Jayden Daniels debate🔒 pic.twitter.com/fxQRXlAbx1
— That Hurts (@That_Hurts) October 27, 2024
The tweet touches on an ongoing debate between the top two picks of the 2024 NFL Draft—Jyden Daniels and Caleb Williams. Daniels’ clutch performance may have solidified his place as the more impressive rookie in the eyes of some fans, particularly after such a monumental win.
Daniels’ Heroic Effort
Daniels’ game-winning pass will be replayed for years, but it’s important to remember the physical and mental toughness he showed throughout the game. Having missed practice for two days due to a rib injury sustained in the previous week’s victory over the Carolina Panthers, Daniels was a game-time decision.
His determination to take the field and lead the Commanders in such a critical moment speaks volumes about his grit and leadership.
Rising Star in the NFL
Daniels’ performance against the Bears, including his miraculous Hail Mary, may have also provided a decisive moment in the Rookie of the Year conversation. While Caleb Williams has been excellent this season, Daniels has consistently shown poise under pressure, and this win further elevates his profile as a rising star in the NFL.

Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary will be remembered as one of the greatest plays in Commanders’ history. The excitement on Twitter following the game reflects just how impactful the moment was, not just for the fans but for the league as a whole.
As the Commanders improve to 6-2, they find themselves in a strong position heading into the second half of the season, with Daniels leading the charge.
With fan reactions still pouring in, one thing is certain: Jayden Daniels has officially arrived.
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