LSU cornerback DJ Pickett says he will keep No. 5 jersey despite former quarterback's objections

LSU sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett said he will continue to wear the No. 5 jersey, a number he claims to have used since childhood. Pickett told reporters that the number was promised to him by the university and expressed goodwill toward former quarterback Jayden Daniels, calling him a "good player" who performed well at LSU.

A spokesperson for Daniels' family released a statement saying the family felt the decision to assign the number to another player was disrespectful and that they expected the jersey to remain part of Daniels' legacy at the school.

Daniels, who won the 2023 Heisman Trophy and is now in his third NFL season with the Washington Commanders, said his focus is on training camp and hopes the issue can be resolved privately between his representatives and LSU.

"I have been locked in on training camp and that’s been my number one focus," 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. I realize the business of football is unique and I trust this can all be resolved."