Jayden Daniels pushes back after LSU gives his No. 5 jersey to another player
The Heisman Trophy winner’s representative says the number represents a significant part of his LSU legacy.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has pushed back against LSU’s decision to give his former No. 5 jersey to current cornerback D.J. Pickett. A representative for Daniels sent the school a cease-and-desist letter, arguing that the number carries significance because of Daniels’ historic career at LSU.
According to the Associated Press, Daniels’ representative sent the cease-and-desist letter to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry after the school announced that Pickett would switch from the No. 3 to No. 5 jersey for the upcoming season. Daniels wore No. 5 during his two seasons at LSU and became one of the most celebrated players in the program’s recent history. His 2023 season culminated in winning the Heisman Trophy before he entered the NFL.
The dispute centers partly on what the number represents. Daniels reportedly made clear that he did not want LSU to give No. 5 to another player and believed the school would respect his wishes.His representative said Daniels’ Heisman-winning season and his accomplishments on and off the field had “cemented his place in LSU history,” making the decision to hand the jersey to another player particularly disappointing.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin has, however, offered a different explanation. Kiffin said Pickett had been promised the opportunity to wear No. 5 when he committed to LSU in December 2024, when Brian Kelly was still the Tigers’ head coach. Pickett wore No. 3 as a freshman last season but is now moving to No. 5.
“When a kid’s promised something to come to a school, he should wear it,” Kiffin said during an Aug. 5 media session, according to AP. Kiffin added that honoring the commitment made to Pickett was not something he believed was his decision to change.
The situation highlights a complicated question on who controls the use of a jersey number when a player has built a legacy around it. LSU had never formally retired No. 5 following Daniels’ departure. For Daniels, however, the jersey issue represents a significant chapter of his LSU career and he believes the school should recognize that legacy.