Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders QB and Heisman Trophy winner, isn’t messing around. He sent LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry a cease and desist letter on August 5, telling the school they can’t use his name, image, and likeness anymore. That’s a massive move, all because of his old No. 5 jersey.
The No. 5 Jersey Drama and What It Means for NIL
Daniels’ attorney, Adam Kenner, spelled it out: LSU’s decision to hand his iconic No. 5 jersey to cornerback DJ Pickett is the spark. The letter points back to Daniels’ LSU NIL agreement, which allowed the school to use his NIL for 180 days after his final college game. Kenner is demanding LSU “immediately cease and desist” any more exploitation of Daniels’ NIL. Can you believe it? The Daniels family is “deeply disappointed” and feels “profoundly disrespected.” They genuinely believed his number would stay sacred, a “meaningful part of his LSU legacy” after he became the third Heisman winner in school history back in 2023. This isn’t just about a number; it’s about honoring a superstar.
LSU’s Side and The Burrow Precedent
So, who is DJ Pickett? He was a freshman All-American last season, racking up three interceptions while wearing No. 3. Now he’s got No. 5. LSU coach Lane Kiffin came out on August 5 saying Pickett was promised the No. 5 during his recruitment by former coach Brian Kelly. Kiffin’s take? “When a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it.” Kelly actually confirmed that promise, but here’s the kicker: Kelly chose *not* to give Pickett the number while Daniels was still at LSU because he wanted Daniels’ approval first. And get this, LSU even has a precedent with Joe Burrow’s No. 9, which hasn’t been worn since his own Heisman-winning 2019 season. Daniels transferred to LSU from Arizona State and absolutely torched the league in 2023, passing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns, plus rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 more scores. He won the Heisman, then went No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. This dude earned that legacy.
This whole situation is a wild card. With Daniels’ attorney demanding LSU stop using his NIL, what’s next for the Tigers? They’ve got a problem on their hands, and it’s all about respecting a legacy that clearly means everything to a Heisman winner and his family. This isn’t some quiet disagreement; it’s a legal move that puts everything out in the open.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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