Week 1: Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Football Player of the Week after a sensational debut that saw him catch two touchdown passes, including the game-winning 24-yard score with 1 minute 46 seconds remaining as the Commanders beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 28-22.

The Commanders’ first-round draft pick this past spring, Dotson enjoyed an impactful first game. He caught a seven-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that gave the Commanders a 14-3 lead.

After Jacksonville had surged in front, the Commanders rallied and were in position to take the lead. Facing third-and-8 from the Jaguars’ 24-yard line, Dotson beat his defender to the outside and made a terrific catch in the end zone to become the first rookie in franchise history with multiple touchdown catches in the season opener.

“That’s the young man we really felt good about and that’s why we did what we did” drafting him 16th overall, Washington Coach Ron Rivera said. “We’re very fortunate to have a young man with that skill set.”

Coming out of high school where he also starred in track, Dotson originally committed to UCLA before changing his mind and accepting a scholarship offer from Penn State. He had 91 catches for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns last season to finish his career among the school’s all-time leaders in several receiving categories.

That success continued Sunday in his first NFL game, though Dotson said he did not get carried away.

“We’ve got a lot of things planned for the future, a lot of guys who can make plays,” he said. “We’re excited to get this one under our belt. … There is so much more than we can do.”

About the Military Bowl Foundation

The Military Bowl Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates premier events in the National Capital Region to benefit our nation’s service members. Originally formed to create the region’s first-ever college football postseason bowl game, the Foundation now not only runs the Military Bowl presented by Peraton but additionally operates the DC Touchdown Club and Patriot Point, a retreat for
recovering service members, their families and caregivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Foundation hosts engaging events throughout the year to raise money and awareness for military service members, directly impacting those who give so much of themselves for the country.

About the DC Touchdown Club

The DC Touchdown Club honors the best in Washington Metro football, with year-round events highlighted by an annual awards dinner. Operated by the Military Bowl Foundation, the Club promotes the game of football, hosts entertaining social events and generates a significant philanthropic impact for Patriot Point. To learn more about the DC Touchdown Club, visit dctouchdownclub.com or follow DC Touchdown Club on Twitter and Instagram @DCTouchdownClub and like DC Touchdown Club on Facebook.