Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, demanding the university stop using his name, image, and likeness (NIL) after his former No. 5 jersey was assigned to cornerback DJ Pickett. Daniels and his family feel "profoundly disrespected" by the decision, according to a statement from his spokesperson.
Daniels wore No. 5 during his two seasons at LSU, leading the Tigers to a 10-3 record and earning the 2023 Heisman Trophy with 3,812 passing yards and 40 touchdowns. The spokesperson stated that Daniels believed his number would remain an honored part of his LSU legacy, recognizing his significant contributions to the university.
Pickett, who previously wore No. 3 as a freshman, has switched to No. 5 for the upcoming season. He had worn the number in high school. Daniels' contract with LSU reportedly permitted the school to use his NIL for 180 days following his final college game, which was a Nov. 25, 2023, victory against Texas A&M. Daniels opted out of the ReliaQuest Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Commanders with the No. 2 overall pick.
"Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected," the Aug. 5 letter to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry stated. "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."
LSU has not officially retired Daniels' No. 5 jersey. The cease-and-desist letter demands that LSU "immediately cease and desist from any further issue use, display, publication, distribution, promotion, commercialization, or other exploitation of Mr. Daniels’ NIL in any manner or medium." The letter further warns that any use of Daniels' NIL after the university's receipt of the notice will be considered knowing and willful and will be pursued through legal remedies.
Former LSU coach Brian Kelly, who is no longer with the program, told ESPN that he had decided against giving Pickett No. 5 because Daniels had indicated he did not want his number worn by another player. Kelly added that he believed No. 5 had been promised to Pickett during his recruitment.
New LSU head coach Lane Kiffin stated earlier in August that Pickett was indeed promised No. 5 when he was recruited and signed with the Tigers in December 2024. Kiffin indicated that his decision was based on honoring commitments made during recruiting, stating, "When a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it."
Daniels transferred to LSU after spending three seasons at Arizona State. He was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, though his rookie season was limited to seven games due to injury.