Topline
Washington Commanders quarterback and former LSU star Jayden Daniels said “there are issues to be worked out” between his personal team and his alma mater, acknowledging a dispute that has materialized after his attorney sent a cease and desist letter to the university after it gave Daniels’ old No. 5 jersey to a sophomore player.
Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders looks on during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images
Key Facts
Daniels said in an Instagram post he “has a lot of gratitude” for his time at LSU before he acknowledged the dispute, adding, “my hope is that it will get done privately.”
The letter from Daniels’ attorney said LSU “must immediately cease and desist from any further issue use, display, publication, distribution, promotion, commercialization, or other exploitation” of Daniels’ name, image or likeness, according to ESPN.
The No. 5 jersey was never formally retired, though it was worn by Daniels during his 2023 Heisman-winning season in which he passed for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns.
“I realize the business of football is unique and I trust this can all be resolved,” Daniels added in his post.
The No. 5 jersey was given to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett, a former five-star prospect who said Thursday the number was “promised” to him and wished Daniels the best.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, who is heading into his first season with the team, told reporters this month Pickett was promised the number during his recruitment.
Forbes has reached out to LSU for comment.
Surprising Fact
Daniels’ team also wants LSU’s copy of his Heisman Trophy returned to the quarterback, according to LouisianaSports.net, which reported the university “has no intention of doing so and is undecided to what degree it will comply with the cease and desist, noting it is not a legally binding document.”
Contra
Former LSU player Breiden Fehoko, who played on the Tigers’ 2019 national championship team, said in a post, “I say this in no form of disrespect to JD as a fellow Tiger. You not on the same level as Joey B,” referring to former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow won the Heisman in 2019, leading LSU to a historic 15-0 season and a national title against Clemson, in what many consider to be one of the best seasons in college football history. Sports commentator Ryan Clark, who also played with LSU in college, defended Daniels. Clark blasted comparisons between Daniels and Burrow, calling them inaccurate and saying, “This is about respecting and honoring a young man who brought the program its third Heisman Trophy and represented LSU with distinction.” Burrow’s number isn’t formally retired, but no LSU player has worn No. 9 since he left the team, according to WAFB-TV.
LSU’s Jersey Retirement Policy
Honorees of jersey retirement are required to be at least five years removed from college competition and have demonstrated a unique performance such as winning the Heisman Trophy or National Player of the Year award. Jersey retirement does not prohibit a student athlete from wearing the jersey number, LSU’s rules say, noting the wearing of a number linked to a retired jersey is “subject to the discretion of the head coach.”
What To Watch For
The cease and desist letter threatened legal action against LSU if it used Daniels’ name, image or likeness.
Crucial Quote
“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” a spokesperson for Daniels told ESPN. “Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university.”
Key Background
LSU has retired jerseys of four of its former players, with another retirement scheduled for former quarterback Bert Jones’ No. 7 jersey in November. Daniels cannot yet apply for jersey retirement, though he will likely have a strong case assuming he does. In addition to winning the Heisman in 2023, he also won the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. He also set the NCAA Division I FBS single-season passer rating record, securing a 208 rating informed by 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns and a 72.2% completion rate.
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