Jayden Daniels Sends Cease-and-Desist to LSU Over No. 5 Jersey
The Commanders quarterback's attorney says he never approved cornerback DJ Pickett wearing his old Heisman-season number, while LSU says the number was promised during recruiting.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter over the school assigning his old No. 5 jersey, the number he wore during his 2023 Heisman-winning season, to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett.
What is Daniels' side of the dispute?
Daniels' attorney sent the letter Aug. 5, demanding LSU stop using his name and likeness in connection with the number, saying he never consented to another player wearing it. A statement from his camp said the family is "deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected." The No. 5 had gone unworn since Daniels left LSU for the 2024 draft, though it was never officially retired.
What is LSU's side?
Former LSU coach Brian Kelly said Pickett was promised the No. 5 jersey during his 2024 recruitment but wasn't issued it at the time because Daniels hadn't approved it. Current coach Lane Kiffin honored that promise this year, saying, "when a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it."
Who is DJ Pickett?
Pickett is a sophomore cornerback and top recruit out of Florida who wore No. 3 as a freshman in 2025, recording three interceptions, 37 tackles and a sack en route to All-American honors. He has since been assigned No. 5 for the upcoming season.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Daniels sends cease and desist to LSU after Pickett given No. 5
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