Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Loves Philly Fans, Calls It "Closest Thing to College"

Daniels says beating the Eagles in their home stadium is a unique challenge in the NFL.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has played two games in Philadelphia during his NFL career, losing both. He says the passionate Eagles fans make playing in their stadium the "closest thing you can get to a college environment" in the NFL. Daniels says the fans give him extra motivation to try and beat the Eagles on their home turf, which he considers a "different type" of challenge compared to other NFL road games.

Why it matters

The NFC East rivalry between the Commanders and Eagles is one of the most intense in the NFL. Daniels' comments highlight how the raucous Philadelphia fan base can impact the game and make it especially difficult for opposing teams to win at Lincoln Financial Field.

The details

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Daniels praised the Eagles fans, saying "I love Eagles fans. I love Eagles fans. They just embody what Philly brings." He added that their environment is "the closest thing you can get to a college environment" in the NFL. Daniels acknowledged that beating the Eagles in Philadelphia is a "different type" of challenge, but said the passionate fans give him extra motivation to try and pull off the victory.

  • Daniels has played two games in Philadelphia during his NFL career so far.
  • The Commanders and Eagles are scheduled to face off twice in the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Jayden Daniels

The starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders in the NFL.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Commanders' NFC East rival team, known for their passionate and raucous fan base at Lincoln Financial Field.

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What they’re saying

“I love Eagles fans. I love Eagles fans. They just embody what Philly brings. To be able to go out there and play against them, it's kind of just that thing. Their environment is kind of like the closest thing you can get to a college environment.”

— Jayden Daniels, Commanders Quarterback (Sports Illustrated)

“If you go out there, you can beat Philly in Philly, that's a different type, but their fans bring it. Especially as we're rivals with them in the NFC East. I love playing against them.”

— Jayden Daniels, Commanders Quarterback (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Commanders and Eagles are scheduled to face off twice in the 2026 NFL season, with the first matchup taking place on October 13th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

The takeaway

Jayden Daniels' comments highlight the unique challenge of playing against the passionate Philadelphia Eagles fanbase, which he says is the "closest thing you can get to a college environment" in the NFL. Beating the Eagles at home is a major goal for Daniels and the Commanders as they look to gain an edge in the competitive NFC East division.