Washington Commanders quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels has sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU after the school gave his former No. 5 jersey to current player D.J. Pickett
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels works out
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels works out(Image: Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
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A representative for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has informed LSU that the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner's name, image and likeness can no longer be used by the school.
ESPN obtained a copy of the letter sent to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, revealing that Daniels' move comes in response to the school's decision to allow cornerback D.J. Pickett to wear the No. 5 jersey — the same number Commanders star Daniels wore throughout his two seasons at LSU.
This would be the first time an LSU player has donned No. 5 since Daniels' departure, despite the school never officially retiring the jersey. It comes as Pat McAfee slammed for odd fashion decision before meeting with Donald Trump.
"Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected," the statement from Daniels' spokesperson said.
"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."
Pickett sported a No. 3 jersey during his freshman year but is making the switch to No. 5 this season. The 6-foot-5 cornerback, a former five-star recruit, recorded three interceptions during his debut season.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin revealed last week that Pickett was promised the chance to wear No. 5 when he committed to LSU in December 2024, during Brian Kelly's tenure as head coach.
DJ Pickett has been handed the jersey by LSU
DJ Pickett has been handed the jersey by LSU(Image: Ella Hall/LSU, University Images via Getty Images)
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Kelly was fired in October 2025, with Kiffin stepping in at the close of the regular season.
"When a kid's promised something to come to a school, he should wear it," Kiffin said during an Aug. 5 media session. "So at that point, I don't think it's really my decision. We should honor what he was told."
Kiffin meanwhile has revealed the Tigers are putting on full pads this week to ramp up the physicality ahead of the new season.
"We have got to tackle, which we avoided a lot in the spring," Kiffin said. "Just trying to get things done and stay healthy, and you know you have to at some point because we got to make sure that we're ready.
"Especially with our schedule set up, you have an extremely hard opener, one of the best programs in the country.
"You don't really have a progression to try to maybe treat that game a little bit differently, you know, where you can start tackling in the game more and maybe be a little bit rusty. We can't afford that in this opener."