The Washington Commanders are back in town this week after a much-needed week off. Some players remained in the area, while others used the week off to escape the grind. Washington hadn’t had any extended time off since reporting to training camp in July.
The Commanders will return on their regular weekly schedule on Wednesday for practice, but the rookie class made good use of their day off before returning to work.
Jayden Daniels and 13 other members of the rookie class spent Tuesday at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Daniels was dressed as Santa’s helper, while fellow rookie quarterback Sam Hartman was Santa Clause.
Daniels spent time with every child and expressed his happiness to be able to make them smile.
“Obviously, you don’t want anybody to go through the circumstances they’re going through,” Daniels told Chick Hernandez of WUSA 9 Sports in Washington. “But just to come back, being around, and just to bring them joy and see the smiles on their faces and interact with them, I mean, there is nothing I could ask for. And that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Just give back to kids and help kids, inspire them.”
Luke McCaffrey spent some time with Riley, who designed his cleats for the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats,” where NFL players are allowed to wear customized cleats representing a charitable organization that is important to them. McCaffrey represents “The Logan Project,” which you can find more about here.
Here’s McCaffrey seeing his customized cleats for the first time.
Riley took down both McCaffrey and Daniels in a game of cards.
It was a special day for the Commanders’ rookie class, and they seemed to enjoy bringing Christmas cheer to the kids.
