Jayden Daniels, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has initiated a legal dispute with LSU over the university’s decision to issue his former No. 5 jersey to cornerback DJ Pickett. Through his attorney Adam Kenner, Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry on Aug. 5, asserting that the school violated the terms of his name, image and likeness agreement by continuing to use his identity after the 180-day post-college authorization period expired.
Daniels posted a statement on social media expressing gratitude for his time at LSU while indicating that disputes between his representatives and the institution needed resolution. Representatives for the Daniels family told ESPN they felt disrespected by the decision, noting that both Jayden and his family believed the number would remain protected as part of his legacy at the school. The No. 5 jersey had not been worn by another LSU player since Daniels’ departure for professional football, though the number was never officially retired.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin defended the decision by stating that Pickett had been promised the number during his recruitment under former coach Brian Kelly. Pickett, who wore No. 3 as a freshman and earned freshman All-American honors with three interceptions, confirmed he had been promised No. 5 since his recruitment. Kelly acknowledged the promise but explained he had withheld the number while Daniels was at LSU out of respect, citing the school’s similar treatment of former quarterback Joe Burrow’s No. 9.
Daniels, who transferred from Arizona State, had a standout 2023 season in which he passed for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He won the Heisman Trophy before becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The cease-and-desist action has generated mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an unnecessarily aggressive move that projects a negative image despite Daniels’ accomplishments and popularity among LSU supporters.
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