Jayden Daniels, the former LSU quarterback and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, has raised objections to LSU assigning his former No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback D.J. Pickett. Daniels, drafted No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders, expressed concern after LSU head coach Lane Kiffin confirmed Pickett was promised the jersey number during recruitment by former coach Brian Kelly [1, 2, 3, 4].
Daniels’ attorney, Adam Kenner, sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry on August 5, demanding the university stop using Daniels’ name, image, and likeness (NIL). The letter cited Daniels’ NIL agreement that allows LSU to exploit his NIL for only 180 days after his final college game, which has now expired. Kenner warned that any further use would be considered knowing and willful and met with legal action [1, 3].
Jayden Daniels played his standout 2023 season at LSU, passing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns alongside 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns [1, 2, 3]. While his No. 5 jersey was not officially retired by LSU, it was withheld from other players during Daniels’ tenure as a mark of respect, per Brian Kelly’s decision without Daniels’ approval [1, 3, 4]. LSU’s policy requires a five-year waiting period before retiring any jersey number, and the current coach, Lane Kiffin, emphasized that promised numbers should be honored, saying, "When a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it." [1, 3, 4]
The Daniels family issued a statement saying they felt "profoundly disrespected" by LSU’s decision to assign the number to another player. They believed the number would remain an honored part of Daniels’ LSU legacy in recognition of his contributions [1, 2]. Daniels acknowledged the dispute publicly but expressed hope for a private resolution, maintaining gratitude for his time at LSU and focus on his NFL career with the Commanders [2, 4].
Some commentators have raised concerns that the legal dispute, managed in part by Daniels’ family including his mother as agent, could harm his reputation, though LSU’s position rests on its official jersey retirement rules and coaching discretion [4]. The university has yet to respond publicly to the attorney’s letter.
The next development is expected as LSU reviews the cease-and-desist notice and addresses the ongoing questions regarding NIL rights and jersey assignment.
