Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU over its decision to give cornerback D.J. Pickett the No. 5 jersey, informing the school that it can no longer use the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s name, image, and likeness.
The Dispute Over LSU’s No. 5 Jersey and the Cease-and-Desist Letter
The conflict stems from sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett wearing the No. 5 jersey during preseason practices as the Tigers opened preparations for the upcoming season. Daniels wore that exact number during his standout 2023 season in Baton Rouge, when he became the third Heisman Trophy winner in school history.
While LSU has not officially retired the No. 5 jersey, no player had worn it since Daniels departed for the NFL, where the Commanders selected him with the No. 2 overall pick. Pickett, a former five-star recruit who wore No. 3 during his freshman campaign, earned freshman All-American honors last year after recording three interceptions, 37 total tackles, and one sack across 524 defensive snaps.
The statement from Daniels’ representative emphasized that the family anticipated his legacy would be protected. 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,
the spokesperson added. Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected.
Coaching Transitions and Recruiting Promises Behind the Number Swap
The decision to reissue the jersey traces back to commitments made during Pickett’s recruitment. At the time of that recruitment, Brian Kelly served as the Tigers’ head coach before his firing in October 2025.
Kiffin added that honoring the agreement made during the recruiting process superseded his personal intervention, noting, at that point, I don’t think it’s really my decision. We should honor what he was told.
Kelly offered additional context on how the program handled elite jersey numbers during his tenure. He noted that while the promise was made to Pickett, he withheld the jersey because Daniels had not given approval.
Legacy Stakes and Upcoming Schedule
Daniels threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns during his historic 2023 campaign, cementing a standard that his family feels was diminished by reissuing his digits.
“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.”
Daniels’ spokesperson, via ESPN
Following a 7-6 season that ended with Kelly’s dismissal and Kiffin’s hiring from Ole Miss, the Tigers are preparing to turn the page on the offseason controversy. LSU opens its 2026 campaign against Clemson on September 5, with Pickett expected to take the field wearing No. 5 as the legal dispute over name, image, and likeness rights unfolds off the field.
