Jayden Daniels Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter Over LSU’s No. 5 Jersey Decision

An attorney for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has delivered a cease-and-desist notice to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, demanding that the university stop using Daniels’ name, image and likeness (NIL) and cease any further promotion of his former jersey number. The dispute stems from LSU sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett wearing No. 5—the number Daniels wore during his 2023 Heisman Trophy season—when preseason practice began in August.

ESPNReport: Jayden Daniels sends cease-and-desist to LSU

LSU’s jersey-retirement policy, posted on the athletic department website, reserves retirement for athletes who have completed competition five years prior and have “truly unusual and outstanding accomplishments,” such as a Heisman Trophy. The school has retired four football numbers (including Billy Cannon’s No. 20) but has not retired No. 5. Daniels argues that his number should be treated similarly to Joe Burrow’s No. 9, which has remained unworn since Burrow’s 2019 Heisman season. Former head coach Brian Kelly indicated that the number was promised to Pickett during recruitment, while current coach Lane Kiffin affirmed that promise.

ESPN

Daniels’ spokesperson said the family felt “deeply disappointed and profoundly disrespected” by LSU’s decision, noting that Daniels had explicitly communicated his wish that No. 5 not be reassigned. LSU’s athletic department declined to comment when approached. Coach Kiffin stated that the number had been promised to Pickett and that honoring recruitment commitments is essential. Attorney Adam Kenner cited Daniels’ NIL contract, which permits LSU to use his NIL for 180 days after his final college game, and demanded immediate compliance with the cease-and-desist.

Report: Jayden Daniels sends cease-and-desist to LSU

• Daniels’ 2023 season: 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 1,134 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns; LSU finished 10-3.

ESPN

• Pickett’s 2025 stats: 3 interceptions, 37 tackles, 1 sack in 524 defensive snaps.

ESPN

• LSU’s retired football numbers: 20 (Billy Cannon), 37 (Tommy Casanova), 21 (Jerry Stovall), 4 (Charles Alexander); Bert Jones’ No. 7 slated for retirement in November.

ESPN

• “His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU.” — Sources

ESPN

• “DJ is in [No.] 5, and that was a situation that was promised to him in recruiting here, for him to sign here,” — Lane Kiffin, first-year LSU coach

ESPN

• “I just wasn't prepared to do it until we got a full commitment from another Heisman Trophy winner," Kelly said.” — Brian Kelly, former LSU coach

ESPN

• “Accordingly, LSU must immediately cease and desist from any further issue use, display, publication, distribution, promotion, commercialization, or other exploitation of Mr. Daniels' NIL in any manner or medium,” — Adam Kenner, attorney

ESPN

• “Any use of Mr. Daniels' NIL occurring after LSU's receipt of this notice will be deemed knowing and willful and will be pursued vigorously through all available legal and equitable remedies, without further notice.” — Sources

ESPN