Jayden Daniels' representatives issue cease-and-desist to LSU over jersey number assignment
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels' team sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter demanding the school stop using his name, image and likeness after the school assigned his former No. 5 jersey to cornerback D.J. Pickett.
A representative for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has formally requested that Louisiana State University cease using the former Heisman Trophy winner’s name, image and likeness. The letter, obtained by ESPN, was addressed to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and was prompted by LSU’s decision to allow cornerback D.J. Pickett to wear the No. 5 jersey, which Daniels wore during his two seasons at the school.
According to a statement from Daniels’ spokesperson, the quarterback “made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected.” The spokesperson added that Daniels’ Heisman-winning season “cemented his place in LSU history” and expressed disappointment that the number was reassigned.
Pickett, a 6-foot-5, former five-star recruit who recorded three interceptions as a freshman, wore No. 3 last season and will switch to No. 5 for the upcoming campaign. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin previously noted that Pickett had been promised the opportunity to wear No. 5 when he signed with LSU in December 2024, a commitment made under former coach Brian Kelly, who was dismissed in October 2025.
The cease-and-desist represents the first known instance of an LSU player’s former jersey number being legally protected after the athlete’s departure, although the university has not retired the number.