Jayden Daniels Finally Speaks Out on LSU Jersey Controversy

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels appears to be moving on from his controversial feud with LSU.

Just weeks after releasing a statement expressing his disappointment and feeling of “disrespect” from his alma mater over the Tigers’ decision to allow sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear his No. 5 jersey, Daniels had no interest in further litigating the feud on Saturday as he finally spoke to the media about the entire ordeal.

“I posted that statement, it's out,” Daniels said following the 17-13 loss to the Detroit Lions. “For me now, it's really just focusing on Commander football. I said everything I had to say within the statement, and now it's just getting ready Week 1."

No More Talking?

Jayden Daniels LSU — Quarterback Jayden Daniels 5 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

That statement from Daniels, which also coincided with a cease-and-desist letter, went as follows:

"The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU's decision to give Jayden's number to another player," Daniels' spokesperson told ESPN in a statement. "Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university."

"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."

It’s just the latest chapter in what seemed like an unlikely story just ahead of head coach Lane Kiffin’s first season in Baton Rouge.

Daniels, one of the school’s three players to win the Heisman Trophy, did so while overcoming a historically bad defense in 2023; Daniels led the Tigers to a 10-3 season with a win in the Reliaquest Bowl over Wisconsin.

Daniels posted video game-like numbers, throwing for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while rushing for another 1,134 yards and 10 scores. He completed 72.2 percent of his passes, proving to be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in program history.

Following his two years at LSU, no player donned the No. 5, as it was presumably on its way to officially becoming retired. According to reports, former head coach Brian Kelly denied Pickett’s request to wear the number, even though he had allegedly been promised it during the recruiting process.

Players cannot officially have their jerseys retired until five years after their departure from LSU per the athletic department’s policy.

Despite the controversy and reaction from Daniels, neither LSU nor Pickett have indicated a change in plans.

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