The Washington Commanders are having a breakout season, and quarterback Jayden Daniels is right at the center of it. Despite being somewhat of an under-the-radar team, GM Adam Peters hit the jackpot with Daniels. Commanders fan Kevin Durant has naturally been singing the praises of the rising star, but in an unexpected twist, another basketball star, known for his loyalty to the Chicago Bears, has also joined in.

During a sweltering day at the State Farm Stadium, where temperatures reached a brutal 107°F, the Washington Commanders decided to crank up the heat even further. They demolished the Arizona Cardinals with a commanding 42-14 win. Jayden Daniels, already proving his worth as a dual-threat quarterback, was an absolute force. Some are already whispering his name for Rookie of the Year—and maybe even MVP. The doubters? Well, they’re slowly becoming believers.

After the game, Nick Young, a former NBA champ and proud Bears fan, took to X with a surprising admission: “Hate to say this because I’m a Bears fan but Jayden Daniel’s is MVP and rookie of the yr if the season stop today.” A huge confession, considering Young’s loyalty to Chicago, whose football team hasn’t exactly been lighting up the field this season. While he’s been critical of the Bears’ performance, KD’s Commanders are living in a whole different universe.

What’s truly impressive about Daniels is his ability to balance risk with reward. Washington fans didn’t blink at his lone interception, especially after witnessing his 9-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and a 10-yard scoring pass to Terry McLaurin in the fourth. Daniels is showing poise, and it’s hard not to be excited about what he brings to the team.

Daniels’ stellar performance also caught the attention of Kevin Durant, who was in the stadium celebrating his birthday. Completing over 86% of his passes, Daniels gave Durant the perfect birthday gift: a dominant win.

Kevin Durant praises Jayden Daniels’ Commanders

After the Washington Commanders’ dominant road victory, Kevin Durant didn’t hold back his excitement. Taking to X, he posted, “Came to AZ and turnt that heat up @Commanders…great road win fellas.” Having grown up around the DC area, Durant has always been a die-hard Commanders fan. His love for the team runs so deep that he once even tried to buy a piece of the franchise!

Back in 2022, Durant had a shot at joining the Commanders’ ownership group when Dan Snyder was looking to sell the team. While he was all in on the idea, the deal never came to fruition. Although KD couldn’t become a part-owner of the Commanders, he does hold a 5% stake in MLS’s Philadelphia Union and another minor stake in Gotham FC. But owning part of his favorite NFL team? That would’ve been the dream.

Durant has always been open about his connection to DC’s sports scene. “There’s a lot of money in D.C. to be made,” he once said. He also mentioned that Snyder had been in charge for over 20 years and described the Commanders as “his baby.” NFL teams, in KD’s view, are like precious gems, and Snyder selling the team was definitely a shock.

But this past weekend, Durant couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift, thanks to Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. A perfect win for a perfect day.