Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels made NFL history Sunday, earning his first career start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.
The undrafted rookie out of Kansas reached a milestone rarely seen in the modern NFL. According to the Buccaneers’ communications department, Daniels became the first undrafted rookie quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to start a game in Week 4 or earlier.
His unexpected opportunity also made him the first rookie quarterback to start an NFL game this season. It was a remarkable turn for a player who entered the league without being selected in the draft.
Daniels’ promotion came as Tampa Bay dealt with injuries in its quarterback room. The situation forced the Buccaneers to turn to an inexperienced option as they tried to keep their season on track.
Tampa Bay entered the matchup with a 0-3 record, sitting behind the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, who were both 1-2. The Carolina Panthers were also 1-2.
For Daniels, the start represented more than a temporary opportunity. It was a chance to show he could handle the demands of an NFL game while stepping into a difficult situation against Green Bay.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The Buccaneers will have little time to reflect on the historic moment, with a matchup against the Dallas Cowboys coming up next. That game could offer another opportunity for Daniels to prove he belongs in the conversation for Tampa Bay’s quarterback plans.
His first start has already secured a place in the record books. The bigger challenge now is turning that history-making opportunity into a meaningful start to his NFL career.
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