It seems there's some burgeoning ill will between Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and his alma mater.
Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to Louisiana State University — where Daniels played from 2022 to 2024 — and its athletics director Verge Ausberry informing the school that it can no longer use his name, image and likeness, ESPN's Mark Schlabach reported Wednesday.
The dispute, per a statement acquired by Schlabach on Wednesday, stems from current LSU cornerback DJ Pickett's use of Daniels' former No. 5 jersey. The number has not been retired by the school, but also has not been worn since Daniels was drafted to the NFL in 2024.
He wore No. 5 during his 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning season, the third LSU player to achieve the honour.
"The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU's decision to give Jayden's number to another player," the statement from Daniels' spokesperson said. "Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honoured and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university."
The statement reiterated that Daniels made it clear he did not want his No. 5 worn again, and he is disappointed those wishes were not respected. Schlabach further reported that Daniels believes he's being treated differently than fellow high-profile LSU alum Joe Burrow, whose No. 9 has not been worn since 2019.
Coach Lane Kiffin said last week that Pickett was promised the opportunity to wear No. 5 when he signed with LSU in December 2024, when Brian Kelly was coaching the Tigers. Kelly was fired in October 2025. and Kiffin was hired at the end 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.”
An LSU spokesperson declined comment to Schlabach.
— With files from Associated Press
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