Jayden Daniels fumes over LSU not retiring no. 5 college football jersey

NFL star Jayden Daniels and his legal team aren’t happy with the way the LSU Tigers are treating the former college football standout. Daniels has become a household name at the NFL level, but prior to his leap to the Washington Commanders he established himself as an elite college player. The former Heisman Trophy winner is fuming at LSU though after allowing another player to wear his jersey. MORE: NFL top 5 richest teams in 2026 However, Daniels and his attorney issued a cease and desist to the SEC program Wednesday, per ESPN. The Commanders star feels that his body of work with LSU should result in his collegiate jersey being retired. “Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected,” the statement said. “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.” Sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett is expected to wear the no. 5 jersey during the 2026 college football season. Head coach Lane Kiffin recently told reporters that Pickett was promised the number when signing with LSU. The issue gets tricky with Daniels’ claims due to the fact that the no. 5 jersey has been worn by many other players in LSU history. His legal team’s basis about restricting LSU from using his name, image and likeness hinges on linking the jersey number directly to Daniels. MORE: Jalen Hurts catches stray from Eagles social media team Daniels claims his legacy is “cemented” Quarterback Jayden Daniels runs the ball as the LSU Tigers take on Georgia State in Tiger Stadium. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters) ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reveals that Daniels reportedly is upset with his treatment in comparison to Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow. The NFL star’s former no. 9 jersey hasn’t been worn since he was drafted into the NFL. Daniels is one of only three players to win the Heisman during his historic 2023 campaign. The Commanders standout recorded 50 total touchdowns that season en route to winning the prestigious award. There’s no question that his legendary season is one of the greatest in LSU football history. Meanwhile, Daniels only spent two seasons with the Tigers after transferring from Arizona State. That same argument could be applied to Burrow as well after coming over from Ohio State. However, the major difference is that Burrow not only won the 2019 Heisman, but a national championship as well. MORE: Damien Woody, ESPN relationship comes to end amid recent cuts Should LSU retire his no. 5? Jayden Daniels throws a pass against Georgia State Panthers linebacker Chris Davis Jr.. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The Tigers aren’t typically in the market for retiring players’ jerseys, especially with the college football program. In fact, only five players in school history have seen their numbers hung in the stadium rafters. Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, Jerry Stovall, Charles Alexander and Bert Jones are the school legends with the distinct honor, according to the school’s official website. Both Burrow and Daniels certainly have an argument to be made about having their legendary jerseys hung up. However, given the school’s stance on the matter in the past it’s highly unlikely they’d be honored with a jersey retirement in the near future. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —