Jayden Daniels LSU Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
By Matt Yoder on

On a quiet Thursday morning, former Heisman Trophy winner and current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels became the center of attention in the sports world.

And not in a very flattering way.

An attorney representing Daniels informed LSU that they could no longer use his name, image, or likeness in any capacity. Why make this sudden demand at a school where he was a beloved star? Daniels is apparently upset that LSU has given his #5 jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett.

In addition to the cease-and-desist letter, Daniels’ spokesperson released a statement to ESPN saying how disappointed the family is in LSU’s decision and the impact it has on his Heisman Trophy-winning legacy.

“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 honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university.”

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“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 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.”

While Daniels did win the top individual award in his time in Baton Rouge, LSU’s team success was modest. The Tigers were 10-4 in 2022, losing in the SEC Championship Game. During Daniels’ Heisman season in 2023, LSU went 10-3 in a year that culminated in a ReliaQuest Bowl victory.

Although LSU retires jerseys, they do not preclude players from wearing the numbers except in the case of Billy Cannon’s iconic #20. However, Daniels may be miffed that Joe Burrow’s #9 jersey has gone untouched since 2019, when he not only won the Heisman but also the national championship.

The move was heavily criticized across social media. Critics argued that it was not only petty but also a needless distraction ahead of the Commanders’ season. There’s also the specter of how effective Daniels’ off-field management is, especially considering the outsized influence of his mother.

Jayden Daniels burst onto the scene as a rookie, leading the Commanders to a surprising NFC Championship Game appearance. However, he was plagued by injuries last year while his team slipped to a 5-12 record. While this move will certainly cause LSU fans to view him differently, it’s certainly not going to make Commanders fans feel good about the coming season if this is what he and his representatives are focused on. Why burn bridges and evaporate goodwill over someone wearing your jersey number?

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