Washington Commanders and former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels released a statement Thursday addressing the cease-and-desist letter he sent to inform his alma mater that it can no longer use his name, image, and likeness.
A spokesperson for Daniels said he was reacting to the school allowing cornerback D.J. Pickett to wear No. 5, Daniels' old number, for the upcoming season.
"I have been locked in on training camp and that's been my No. 1 focus," Daniels wrote Thursday on his Instagram story, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "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 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."
Pickett, a freshman All-American in 2025, wore No. 3 last season. He'll be the first Tiger to wear No. 5 since Daniels.
Daniels played his final two collegiate seasons at LSU before turning pro and won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 after totaling 50 touchdowns in 12 games. The Tigers did not qualify for the College Football Playoff in either of Daniels' seasons.
Billy Cannon's No. 20 is the only number fully retired by LSU football. Not even Joe Burrow, who won the Heisman and delivered the Tigers a national championship, has had his number retired by the program, although no LSU player has worn No. 9 since his departure following the 2019 season.
Daniels was the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 2024 but struggled through an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.
