In a letter to Tigers athletic director Verge Ausberry dated August 5, an attorney for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels warned LSU that it could no longer utilize his name, image, or likeness.
Daniels’ spokesman told ESPN that the Tigers’ decision to let sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett wear the No. 5 jersey Daniels wore when he won LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner in 2023 is at the heart of the controversy.
Although the Tigers haven’t retired Daniels’ jersey, this is the first time a player has worn No. 5 since he departed the program to play in the NFL.
Daniels’ publicist released the following statement:
“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player”. “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.”
“Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected,”
“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.”
When Pickett was awarded a freshman All-American in 2025, he wore No. 3 during his debut season with the Tigers. In 524 defensive snaps, he led LSU with three interceptions, 37 tackles, and one sack.
When the Tigers began preseason practice last week, Pickett was wearing No. 5, raising concerns about why first-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin had permitted the jersey move.
