Commander Country

Commanders receiver lands on very unfortunate list

The Washington receiver had a productive 2024, but penalties kept him from a true breakout season.
Darius Hayes|
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

In this story:

Washington Commanders

Sometimes in football, a player can run the perfect route, make the catch, and reach the end zone—only to have it all erased by a penalty or miscue that never shows up on the stat sheet. The Washington Commanders saw that firsthand in 2024 with wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus

Zaccheaus quietly delivered one of the most overlooked and unlucky seasons in the NFL. Zaccheaus is now entering his seventh season, and his 2024 season was among his best. He caught 45 passes for 506 yards and three touchdowns for the Commanders, matching a career-high in trips to the end zone.

But according to NFL.com’s Kevin Petra, Zaccheaus has landed on the 2024 list of unlucky stats from the season in regards to his production for Washington.

READ MORE: Jayden Daniels gets big praise from rival Giants wide receiver

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2)
Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) catches a pass against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

“Matched his career high with three receiving TDs in 2024 but also tied Jacobs with three TDs negated by penalty,” Petra said.

Those flags came at a high cost. Zaccheaus consistently found ways to beat coverage and finish plays, but miscues elsewhere on the field erased half of what could’ve been a six-touchdown season. For a Washington offense looking to establish rhythm with quarterback Jayden Daniels, those lost points were critical.

Zaccheaus' journey has come full circle under head coach Dan Quinn. He played his first four NFL seasons for Quinn in Atlanta, and is now heading into his second year with him in Washington. That familiarity has helped him carve out a trusted role in the Commanders’ receiving corps

In a league driven by stats and highlights, players like Zaccheaus often fly under the radar despite making the plays that keep drives—and games—alive.

In 2025, Zaccheaus may finally get the numbers to match his effort. Washington fans should keep an eye on him because the bad luck won’t last forever.

READ MORE: Commanders star predicted for $90 million contract extension

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders receive surprisingly low spot in NFL power rankings

• Commanders could take top collegiate RB in 2026 NFL Draft

• How Commanders' Jayden Daniels can run away with NFL MVP

• Jayden Daniels hits Deebo Samuel for viral TD at Commanders minicamp

Published
Darius Hayes
DARIUS HAYES

Darius Hayes is a writer and contributor for 2 On SI sites, where he covers multiple teams as well as the Atlanta Braves. His work reflects his passion for sports, especially as a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. Hayes grew up in Trenton, N.J., and now resides in Atlanta, Ga. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and his Master’s in Communications from Georgia State University. In addition to journalism, Hayes serves in the Georgia Army National Guard. He can be followed on Twitter @dariushayes55.

Home/News