Jalon Daniels picked the right night to turn in the best game of his young NFL career.
Under the lights at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback helped guide his team to a 24-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys, giving the Bucs their first victory after an 0-4 start. Daniels finished 19 of 25 for 189 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions, while also adding seven carries for 23 yards.
The moment clearly meant plenty to him. After the game, Daniels shared a heartfelt exchange with his mother, Star Daniels, who told him how proud she was of her son.
The 23-year-old, who went undrafted in April, then took to X to celebrate the win with a short message: “GO BUCS, BABY!❤️🖤 #WeAreTheKrewe,” wrote the backup signal-caller.
Daniels was thrust into the spotlight in Week 3 after Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered a thumb injury. His first start, in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers, was modest, and he said afterward he would be better. He backed that up against Dallas, and did it in a prime-time setting.
“Six months ago, if you would have told me that my first win would have been on a Thursday night, (Amazon) Prime football game, I don't know what I would have told you,” said Daniel, as quoted by the Associated Press' Schuyler Dixon.
The reaction online came fast, with fans flooding in to congratulate him on his first NFL win.
“Let's go, JD! We love you. Go Bucs,” said @Noahkp9q.
“So happy for you. You deserve every moment of this 💙❤️,” added @F34r_damac.
“So proud of you, Jalon. Keep it going!
We're all cheering for you!” wrote @George_Pavlik.
“Your smile and energy are infectious. Great work. Glad you're on the team,” stated @Anbunaki.
“Congrats on all the hard work! Rock chalk!
Go Bucs!” commented @crane_chiefs25.
Daniels is expected to start again in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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