Typically, NFL players are proud of their alma mater. That’s the case with Jayden Daniels too, who went to LSU and won the Heisman Trophy in 2023.
Oftentimes, athletes are quick to offer whatever support they can to the next set of high-level recruits who have dreams of someday playing in the NFL, even if that means letting them wear the same jersey they once rocked. Yet, when LSU handed out Daniels’ No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback D.J. Pickett, the Washington Commanders QB threw a big stink.
So, what gives? It turns out, the former LSU star may not be the one behind it all.
Could Jayden Daniels’ Mom Be Causing LSU Jersey Stir?
While Daniels is taking a lot of heat from all corners of the sports world for sending a cease-and-desist letter to LSU to end their use of his name, image, and likeness, a new theory has emerged.
During a recent appearance on “The Colin Cowherd Podcast,” former NFL scout John Middlekauff outlined his belief that the jersey stink may be coming from Daniels’ mom, who also acts as the QB’s agent.
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“Yeah, I think it’s his mom,” Middlekauff said. “Everyone thinks it’s his mom. Because his mom is his agent. When they put out a statement like, ‘My team is handling,’ no, this is you. Your team doesn’t have skin in this game.
“The other thing you were promised by a guy who got fired. Of all the programs, they would be on the shortlist of, I wouldn’t want this program turning against me. You are a sacred individual there for the rest of your life.”
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As Middlekauff pointed out, what loyalty does the current LSU regime need to have to Daniels?
Lane Kiffin is trying to establish his own culture and build a winner. What the 2026 LSU Tigers are trying to accomplish has nothing to do with what Brian Kelly may or may not have promised to Daniels back in 2023 because he’s no longer the head coach there.
Ultimately, Daniels’ reaction did come as a surprise, because several other athletes have come and gone without having their numbers retired despite also accomplishing great things. As Cowherd pointed out, not even Tim Tebow has his jersey number retired at Florida, and he was an iconic figure in Gatorland.
Now Daniels has become the butt of the joke, all because of a jersey number, one that he wore for just two seasons at LSU.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.