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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns across seven games in 2025.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is going viral for a recent comment he made about the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated taped during NFL Media Row, the week before the Super Bowl, Daniels was asked about his thoughts on Eagles’ fans. Daniels then gave a complete answer about how he feels about the Commanders’ NFC East rival. Despite a full, well-rounded response, a snippet has been taken out of context, which muddies the quarterback’s true intentions.
Daniels’ response features the line, “I love Eagles fans. They embody what Philly is. They bring it.”
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels says he loves Eagles fans because the environment in Philly is the closest thing to college football in the NFL.
“I love Eagles fans. They embody what Philly is. They bring it.”
(H/T: @JClarkNBCS)
This quote has left some Commanders’ fans conflicted with their starting signal-caller. TCanady commented on X, “Unfortunate quote. These WSH players loving Philly is nauseating.”
While Daniels’ remarks can be confusing when viewed in isolation, in the broader context, his answer makes a lot more sense.
Jayden Daniels’ Fueled by Washington Commanders Rivalry With Eagles
The Eagles fanbase was brought up in the middle of a game that Daniels was participating in during the interview. The game required him to answer “yes” or “no” based on a statement posed by the interviewer. Daniels answered “yes” in response to the statement, “Eagles’ fans are the most obnoxious in sports.”
He then followed up his response with the quote that has gone viral. But following his answer, he elaborates on why he said that.
Jayden Daniels says he loves Eagles fans 🦅
“Being able to go out there and play against them, it’s kind of just that thing. Their environment is kind of like the closest thing you can get to a college environment.”
When asked if playing against them fuels him, Daniels responded, “Yeah, for sure. If you go out there, you could beat Philly in Philly, that’s a different type.”
Daniels finished his interview by stating, “You know, as we’re rivals with them in the NFC, in the East, so I love playing against them.”
Daniels admiration for Eagles fans revolves around the atmosphere they create and the challenge they pose. His response stems from a competitive nature that is steeped in respect. He strives to beat them, especially on their home turf, a feat he has yet to accomplish.
GettyDaniels has scored 8 total touchdowns while throwing 4 interceptions in three games against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Daniels is 1-2 in his career against the Eagles, with his lone win coming at home when he tossed five touchdowns against them in Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season. However, despite his impressive performance, it also came against an Eagles team with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett under center for the majority. Daniels other Philly losses both came in his rookie year in a 26-18 Week 11 bout and a 55-23 NFC Championship throttle.
He has yet to win a game at Lincoln Financial Field, as well as one where Jalen Hurts plays the entire game.
Daniels missed both Philly affairs in 2025 due to injuries, but now the stage is set as both fan bases will be even more tuned in for their 2026 matchups.
Washington Commanders Focused on Developing Jayden Daniels Next Season
Since the conclusion of their 2025 campaign, the Commanders have made several moves in favor of Jayden Daniels’ development. Moving on from former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was due to differing opinions about how to help Daniels evolve his game.
New OC David Blough is expected to keep what worked in Daniels first two seasons while putting him in the best position to succeed in a more pro-style offense. Kingsbury’s offense operated closer to what you would see in college. It operated mostly out of shotgun and emphasized the run-pass-option.
While this will still certainly be an element of Blough’s system, he is expected to ask Daniels to do more at the line of scrimmage and be more comfortable working undercenter. Daniels is expected to take another step forward in year three, and if he’s able to, Commanders fans will find themselves right back in Super Bowl conversations.
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