The Washington Commanders’ rich history in the NFL is filled with moments of greatness, but it has been a long time since they made their way to the Super Bowl. Founded in 1932, the franchise has seen its fair share of success and challenges over the decades. With three Super Bowl victories, the Commanders’ last appearance in the big game was in 1992, when they claimed the title in Super Bowl 26.
Since then, Washington has been searching for a return to the championship game, but their last appearance remains fresh in the memories of long-time fans. That victory over the Buffalo Bills remains one of the franchise’s proudest moments, but over 30 years have passed since they hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.
Commanders’ Last Super Bowl Appearance
The Washington franchise had long been one of the league’s most successful teams, and their third Super Bowl victory in 1992 cemented their place in history. Led by head coach Joe Gibbs and quarterback Mark Rypien, the Commanders finished the 1991-1992 season with a 14-2 record.
They were a powerhouse on both sides of the ball, dominating opponents en route to their Super Bowl victory over the Bills. Rypien was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 292 yards and two touchdowns, while Washington’s defense kept Buffalo in check all game.
Since January 1992, Washington has been waiting to return to the big game. The turbulent road back has been filled with ups and downs. For those who remember Washington’s last Super Bowl appearance, it’s hard to believe how much has changed since then.
But while much has changed since 1992, one thing remains the same: Washington fans still want to see their team return to the Super Bowl. And now, they might finally have the player to lead them back.
Jayden Daniels: A Rookie with a Chance to Make History
Fast forward to 2024, and the Commanders have a new star at quarterback: Jayden Daniels. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner has taken the NFL by storm in his rookie season and led Washington to its first conference championship appearance since 1992. Drafted No. 2 overall, Daniels has already made a name for himself as one of the league’s brightest young quarterbacks, with a regular season performance that saw him finish as the league’s ninth-best passer.
What makes Daniels’ story even more remarkable is that he has the chance to make NFL history. He is just the sixth rookie quarterback ever to reach a conference championship game, joining an exclusive group that includes Brock Purdy, Mark Sanchez, and Joe Flacco.
However, none of the previous five rookie quarterbacks have ever won the conference championship. If Daniels can lead the Commanders to victory, he’ll be the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to win a conference title and lead his team to the Super Bowl.
Tom Brady recently compared Daniels’ playoff run to the early days of Tiger Woods, calling the rookie’s success “historic” and recognizing the incredible potential he brings to the table. Brady’s comparison reflects the immense promise Daniels has shown in his first season, much like the early buzz around Tiger Woods in the golfing world.
As the Commanders prepare for their most important game in over three decades, Daniels stands at the forefront of what could be a historic moment for him and the franchise. The question now is: can he and the Commanders prove their doubters wrong and bring the team back to the Super Bowl for the sixth time?