RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The weirdest story of the NFL offseason thus far. Washington Commanders franchise QB Jayden Daniels has made it public knowledge that he’s irate at his alma mater, LSU. Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy with LSU in what was a 10-3 season.
On Thursday morning, it was revealed that Daniels’ team sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU after the Tigers gave the No.5 jersey to starting cornerback DJ Pickett. Daniels and his team are forbidding LSU from using his name, image, and likeness in any capacity.
MORE: Jayden Daniels ripped by former Heisman winner for creating ‘distraction’ with LSU debacle
In the letter, which was obtained by ESPN, Daniels’ team expressed that this ordeal is disrespectful and that Daniels “did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected.”
Furthermore, it’s been reported that Daniels feels disrespected for being treated differently from Joe Burrow. Although Daniels won the Heisman Trophy, he’s not close to being as meaningful to LSU as Burrow is.
Burrow capped off his Heisman season by leading LSU to an undefeated record and a national title. Daniels led the Tigers to a 10-2 regular season and then opted out of the Reliaquest Bowl. There are levels to this.
Later that afternoon on Thursday, Daniels finally spoke out and offered his perspective on the matter.
MORE: DJ Pickett’s father responds to Jayden Daniels-LSU football jersey number drama
Jayden Daniels’ Message Amid LSU Feud
Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks on from the sidelines. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Breaking his silence on his Instagram story, Daniels assured fans that his sole focus is on the upcoming NFL season.
“I have been locked in on training camp, and that’s been my number one focus. 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’s 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.”
All in all, the No. 1 takeaway from Daniels’ quote was the hypocrisy of him saying he hopes this can be solved privately. It’s too late for that now. Everything is out there, and everyone and their mother knows that Daniels is irate about DJ Pickett wearing No. 5.
It’s clear that this won’t be solved privately now, especially since it’s been reported that Pickett will still wear No. 5 this season. This is a PR blunder by Daniels and his entire team.
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