Frances Tiafoe believes Jayden Daniels has delivered an NFL Rookie of the Year-worthy performance for the Washington Commanders. The 24-year-old quarterback has led the team to its first playoff appearance in four years.
Tiafoe, a Commanders fan, took to his Instagram story to celebrate the team's win over the Atlanta Falcons which confirmed its playoff spot.
The American tennis star also posted an image endorsing Daniels' season as worthy of winning the Rookie of the Year award.
On Sunday, December 29, the Washington Commanders faced the Atlanta Falcons in its penultimate game this season. In a thrilling prime-time showdown, Washington secured a dramatic 30-24 overtime victory, clinching its first playoff berth in four years and only the third in over a decade.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has played college football for Arizona and Louisiana, connected with Zach Ertz for his third touchdown pass, sealing the win and solidifying his reputation as a rising star among highly drafted rookies. He reflected on the achievement, saying (via Yahoo! News):
"The fan base waited a long time for this. I really can’t put into words how much it means to them and how much it means to me to be able to go out there and lead this franchise and this team to opportunities like that."
The Commanders, valued at $6.3 billion, celebrated the significant milestone with fans who have long awaited such success.
Frances Tiafoe supports several Washington-based sports teams
Frances Tiafoe has often shared about his deep connection with Washington. Speaking to NBC Sports last year, he expressed how much he cherishes playing in the city, describing the local support as humbling.
"Nothing beats it. To have those moments is incredible. I’m super humbled by it," Frances Tiafoe said.
Tiafoe’s love for the city extends beyond tennis. He actively supports Washington-based teams, including the Capitals (NHL), Mystics (WNBA), and Wizards (NBA), and enjoys exploring the city's restaurants and cultural spots.
"I’m always here, man. All my off time is here. I go to all the local restaurants and all the bougie restaurants. I’m really plugged in with the Wizards. I’m tapped into the Mystics. I go to Caps games," he continued.
For Tiafoe, Washington is more than a city, it is "home." With family, friends, and loved ones nearby, he calls it one of the "best cities in the world." The World No. 18 ended the 2024 season with a 33-26 record. He enjoyed a relaxing offseason by traveling with his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield. The 26-year-old is set to begin his 2025 season with a clash against Adam Walton at the Brisbane International.