‘Play of the year’: NFL, America erupts over matchwinning ‘insanity’

American sport fans have completely lost their minds at an incredible, matchwinning NFL play that continues a team’s fairytale season.

Rookie NFL quarterback Jayden Daniels might have pulled off the play of the season, launching an incredible Hail Mary pass to continue his team’s fairytale rise in 2024.

Daniels, the No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has been one of the stories of the season so far, leading the Washington Commanders from irrelevancy to playoff contender status.

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On Monday morning (AEDT), the Commanders trailed the Chicago Bears 12-15 and Daniels had the ball for one last play with no time left on the clock.

Dancing around his own 35-yard line for nearly 13 seconds, Daniels got a run-up and launched a Hail Mary that flew 52 yards and high into the air.

It landed on a pack of players huddled a couple of yards out from Washington’s end zone, bounced off them and safely into the hands of Noah Brown for a touchdown as the Commanders claimed a 18-15 victory.

Chicago’s Tyrique Stevenson was seen taunting Washington fans in the crowd, before running over to contest Daniels’ pass. Stevenson’s hand tipped the ball to Brown.

The unbelievable play sparked wild celebrations for the Commanders at Washington D.C.’s Northwest Stadium, while America and NFL fans around the world lost their minds.

Daniels entered the game with a rib injury concern, but he managed to secure another win for his team as he continues an unbelievable rookie season.

Watch the Hail Mary pass in the video above

How did this contest turn into a touchdown? Photo: Greg Fiume/Getty Images/AFP.

The ball bounces over to Noah Brown (far right). (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Touchdown. Photo: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images/AFP.

ESPN’s Pat McAfee wrote on X: “HOLLLYYY SH*TTTTT. WHAT A HAIL (COMMANDERS) MARY.”

NFL insider Adam Schefter described it as the “play of the year”.

Sport Illustrated’s Pat Forde said: “Oh my god Commanders!”

NBC Sports’ Nicole Auerbach added: “OH MY GOD THAT HAIL MARY.”

Seven News’ Mitch Cleary posted: “Just absurd.”

OH MY GODDDDDDDDDDDDDD

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 27, 2024

HAHAHHAA LETS GO @Commanders

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) October 27, 2024

Jayden Daniels in a game in which he...

...was dealing with a rib injury
...was down to his LT3
...dealt with multiple drops & killer OL penalties

threw for 326 yards & a miracle walk-off 52-yard TD. No turnovers. Eight carries for 52 yards. A legendary performance. #Commanders

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) October 27, 2024

Podcaster Chris Vernon described it as “insanity”.

NFL podcaster Al Galdi called it the “greatest finish to a Washington regular-season game ever. Unforgettable. Miraculous. Whatta season!!!”

Jayden Daniels has turned the Washington Commanders around. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The fairytale season comes on the back of businessman Dan Snyder selling the Commanders last year after owning the team since 1999.

ESPN’s Mina Kimes posted: “Just remembered Dan Snyder has to watch this magical Commanders season immediately *after* he sold the team and smiled the biggest smile.”

The Commanders have a 6-2 record and sit a game clear atop the NFC East standings ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Remarkably, Daniels has only thrown two interceptions through eight games so far this season.

The 23-year-old quarterback has nearly single-handedly turned the franchise around, with hopes the Commanders can make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Originally published as ‘Play of the year’: NFL, America erupts over matchwinning ‘insanity’