Jayden Daniels disputes with his alma mater, LSU. LSUs Use of Jayden Daniels Jersey Sparks Dispute Over His Heisman Trophy

Washington Commanders quarterback and former LSU star Jayden Daniels said “there are issues to be worked out” between his personal team and his alma mater, acknowledging a dispute that has materialized after his attorney sent a cease and desist letter to the university after it gave Daniels’ old No. 5 jersey to a sophomore player.

Dispute Over Jersey Use

Daniels said in an Instagram post he “has a lot of gratitude” for his time at LSU before he acknowledged the dispute, adding, “my hope is that it will get done privately.”

The letter from Daniels’ attorney said LSU “must immediately cease and desist from any further issue use, display, publication, distribution, promotion, commercialization, or other exploitation” of Daniels’ name, image or likeness, according to ESPN.

Jersey History

The No. 5 jersey was never formally retired, though it was worn by Daniels during his 2023 Heisman-winning season in which he passed for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns.

“I realize the business of football is unique and I trust this can all be resolved,” Daniels added in his post.

Reaction from LSU

The No. 5 jersey was given to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett, a former five-star prospect who said Thursday the number was “promised” to him and wished Daniels the best.

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, who is heading into his first season with the team, told reporters this month Pickett was promised the number during his recruitment.

Trophy Dispute

Daniels’ team also wants LSU’s copy of his Heisman Trophy returned to the quarterback, according to LouisianaSports.net, which reported the university “has no intention of doing so and is undecided to what degree it will comply with the cease and desist, noting it is not a legally binding document.”

Former Players Weigh In

Former LSU player Breiden Fehoko, who played on the Tigers' 2019 national championship team, said in a post, “I say this in no form of disrespect to JD as a fellow Tiger. You not on the same level as Joey B,” referring to former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.

Burrow won the Heisman in 2019, leading LSU to a historic 15-0 season and a nationalagainst Clemson, in what many consider to be one of the best seasons in college football history. Sports commentator Ryan Clark, who also played with LSU in college, defended Daniels. Clark blasted comparisons between Daniels and Burrow, calling them inaccurate and saying, “This is about respecting and honoring a young man who brought the program its third Heisman Trophy and represented LSU with distinction.”

Jersey Retirement Rules

Honorees of jersey retirement are required to be at least five years removed from college competition and have demonstrated a unique performance such as winning the Heisman Trophy or National Player of the Year award. Jersey retirement does not prohibit a student athlete from wearing the jersey number, LSU’s rules say, noting the wearing of a number linked to a retired jersey is “subject to the discretion of the head coach.”

Legal Action Threatened

The cease and desist letter threatened legal action against LSU if it used Daniels’ name, image or likeness.