When was the last time a rookie QB made a Championship Game? Revisiting NFL history after Jayden Daniels' heroics

Jayden Daniels is enjoying a fine rookie season, leading the Washington Commanders to the NFC championship game. The Commanders took down the Detroit Lions 45-31 in the divisional round at Ford Field on Saturday night to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Since Daniels' heroics have been lauded by fans and analysts alike, many have been curious to learn when was the last time a rookie quarterback guided his team to a conference championship game.

Fans don't need to go too far back in history for the answer, since Brock Purdy achieved the feat with the San Francisco 49ers two years ago.

Purdy was nicknamed "Mr. Irrelevant" after being selected by the 49ers with the final pick of the 2022 NFL draft. He got the starting QB role mid-way through the season after Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo suffered season-ending injuries.

Purdy went on to lead San Francisco to the playoffs, beating the Seattle Seahawks in the wild-card round and the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round. While Purdy and Co. made the conference championship, they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, falling short of reaching the Super Bowl.

Apart from Daniels, only five other rookie quarterbacks have led their respective teams into the conference championship.

However, Daniels has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to the Super Bowl.

How did Jayden Daniels perform vs. Detroit Lions in divisional round playoff game?

NFL: Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels - Source: Imagn

Jayden Daniels had a strong outing against the Lions in the divisional playoff game. The Washington quarterback completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 51 yards on 16 carries.

With Daniels delivering the goods on offense, the Commanders will be confident heading into their NFC championship game. They are yet to find out their opponents and will face the winner of Sunday's game between the Philadelphia Eagles and LA Rams.