Jayden Daniels Issues Cease And Desist To LSU After No. 5 Jersey Given To DJ Pickett

A lawyer that represents Jayden Daniels, the star quarterback of the Washington Commanders, has told LSU that it is no longer allowed to use his name, image and likeness, per a letter from Aug. 5 issued to Tigers athletic director Verge Ausberry. ESPN obtained a copy Wednesday.

According to Daniels’ spokesperson, who issued a statement to ESPN, the dispute is centered around the Tigers letting cornerback DJ Pickett wear the No. 5 jersey. The number is the same one Daniels wore at LSU, with his time at the school seeing him win the 2023 Heisman Trophy. (RELATED: High School Football Player Practices With Venomous Cottonmouth Snake In Helmet For Around 1 Hour: REPORT)

The No. 5 jersey has not been retired by LSU, with Pickett being the first player to wear the number since Daniels exited for the NFL.

“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” said Daniels’ spokesperson in the statement. “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.”

An attorney representing Commanders QB Jayden Daniels informed LSU it can no longer use his name, image and likeness and said he felt "profoundly disrespected" after LSU allowed cornerback DJ Pickett to wear his former No. 5 jersey. https://t.co/GieZ0vWEaM

Pickett has already responded to the situation, stating that he won’t be giving up the No. 5 despite the cease and desist from Daniels.

“It’s the number I was promised,” said Pickett.

According to LouisianaSports.net’s Matt Moscona, LSU has been requested by the Daniels camp to return their Heisman Trophy copy.

LSU doesn’t plan on returning the trophy.