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Jayden Daniels jersey dispute explained: What did the Commanders QB do after LSU gave No. 5 to DJ Pickett?
After Daniels left LSU for the NFL, the school kept No. 5 unretired but left it unassigned until recently, when DJ Pickett was allowed to wear it.
Jayden Daniels spent the final two years of his college career at LSU before entering the NFL in 2024 with the Washington Commanders.
While athletes often maintain a strong and lasting connection with their alma mater, Daniels’ relationship with LSU appears to have taken an unexpected turn following recent developments.
What happened to Daniels’ LSU number?
The Commanders quarterback wore No. 5 throughout both of his seasons at LSU, including his Heisman Trophy-winning 2023 campaign.
After Daniels left LSU for the NFL, the school did not retire the jersey number. However, No. 5 remained unassigned and had not been worn by another player until recently.
LSU has reportedly given sophomore DJ Pickett permission to switch to No. 5, the same number Daniels wore throughout his two seasons with the Tigers. Pickett previously suited up in No. 3, but ESPN reported that he was seen practicing in a No. 5 jersey last week, signaling the change.
Daniels launches NIL dispute
Now, Daniels appears to have objected to LSU’s decision to give his former No. 5 jersey to another player. The Commanders quarterback has reportedly notified Louisiana State University that it no longer has permission to use his name, image or likeness following the move.
According to ESPN, Daniels’ lawyer sent LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry a cease-and-desist letter on Aug. 5.
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The document states that the university’s NIL agreement with Daniels only permitted LSU to use his name, image and likeness for 180 days after his final college game.
Attorney Kenner subsequently demanded that LSU "immediately cease and desist" from any continued use or commercial exploitation of Daniels’ NIL rights.
Daniel’s family slams LSU jersey decision
Daniels’ representatives also expressed disappointment over the jersey decision.
"The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU's decision to give Jayden's number to another player," the statement from Daniels' spokesperson said.
"Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected," the statement said.
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“His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU,” it added.
Daniels breaks silence
The 25-year-old quarterback later addressed the situation himself through an Instagram story on Thursday.
"I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU and I'm proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there," Daniels wrote.
"Obviously there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU and my hope is that it will get done privately," he further mentioned.
