Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels asks LSU to return his Heisman trophy over jersey number dispute
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has sent a cease-and-desist to LSU, requesting the return of his Heisman Trophy copy after a teammate was granted the No. 5 jersey he previously wore at the university.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has asked Louisiana State University to return the replica of his 2023 Heisman Trophy following the assignment of the No. 5 jersey to LSU cornerback DJ Pickett for the 2026 season. Daniels, who transferred to LSU in 2022 and led the Tigers to a 10-3 record while throwing 40 touchdowns, sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding that LSU stop using his name, image and likeness.
Pickett, who wore No. 3 last season, requested the No. 5 jersey, which had been kept out of circulation out of respect for Daniels during former coach Brian Kelly’s tenure. After Kelly’s dismissal and Lane Kiffin’s appointment as head coach, the number was reassigned, prompting Daniels’ family to describe the quarterback as feeling “profoundly disrespected.”
In a social-media post, Daniels said, “I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU and I’m proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there. Obviously there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU and my hope is that it will get done privately. My sole personal focus is on Commanders’ football.” LSU has indicated it has no plans to return the trophy.
The dispute arises despite LSU having no formal policy against re-issuing jersey numbers that have previously been associated with star players, and neither Daniels nor former LSU Heisman winner Joe Burrow have had their numbers officially retired.