In a surprising turn of events, the Washington Commanders silenced their critics with an impressive 45-31 victory over the Detroit Lions, the NFC’s top seed. This win propelled them to their first NFC Championship Game since 1991, igniting hope among fans of a long-awaited Super Bowl return. But do you know NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal already expected this result?

Just days before this matchup, RG reported, “He [Shaquille O’Neal] likes Washington’s odds to win the big game as the Commanders continue on through the postseason, with their next matchup coming against the Detroit Lions on Jan. 18.” But Shaq didn’t stop at just picking favorites. He pinpointed the team’s rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, as the key to their championship aspirations.

“I think they have a strong chance of making it to the Super Bowl,” Shaq said. “For him to win the Heisman, play in the state of Louisiana, and then come into this first year of his NFL career with a chance to win a Super Bowl, I think that is huge for him.” This praise can boot Magic Johnson’s confidence, who is part owner of Commanders.

Shaq’s endorsement isn’t just casual praise—it’s rooted in a connection that goes beyond the football field. Both Shaquille O’Neal and Daniels share LSU roots. Shaq is no stranger to hyping up his alma mater, and he’s followed Daniels’ career closely.

Just two years ago, Shaq was in the stands for one of Daniels’ games—a nail-biter against Florida that showcased the quarterback’s star power. With an incredible 85-yard rushing touchdown and another jaw-dropping 51-yarder, Daniels led LSU to a thrilling 52-35 victory. For Shaq, seeing that performance up close must’ve solidified his belief in Daniels’ potential.

Even now, as the spotlight shines on the Commanders’ postseason run, all eyes remain on Daniels.

Shaq enjoyed the Daniels show

The Commanders walked into Ford Field as underdogs, facing a Detroit Lions squad that had dominated all season with the league’s top-ranked offense. On paper, Washington’s odds looked slim—the Lions had dropped just two games at home all year. But Washington didn’t flinch. With an opportunistic defense, a brilliant rookie quarterback, and a team determined to prove themselves, they flipped the script and sent Detroit packing.

Leading the charge was rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, who turned in another jaw-dropping performance. Despite a raucous Lions crowd, Daniels stayed cool and in control. His composure anchored an offense that racked up six touchdowns across seven scoring drives.

In numbers, Daniels was just as impressive as he looked on the field. Completing 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, he kept Detroit’s defense guessing all game long. His 51 rushing yards on 16 carries added a dynamic edge that Detroit simply couldn’t counter. Daniels’ sharp decision-making and mastery of the read-option kept drives alive, leaving the Lions grasping for answers.

Now, Daniels sits in elite company. By toppling a No. 1 seed as a rookie, he joins Joe Flacco (2008) as the only other quarterback to do so. With performances like this, it’s no wonder people are already calling him a lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year.