Jayden Daniels' family 'disrespected' by LSU's jersey decision

Cornerback D.J. Pickett has donned the same jersey number in recent LSU practices, switching from the No. 3 that he wore last year.

It's the first time a Tigers player has worn the number since Daniels' Heisman-winning campaign in 2023.

Legal representatives for the Washington Commanders' quarterback sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, informing the university that it can no longer use his name, image, and likeness.

Daniels' family feels "Profoundly disrespected"

A copy of the letter was reportedly obtained by ESPN.

"The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU's decision to give Jayden's number to another player," the statement read.

"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."

Where Joe Burrow fits into the jersey debate

Chris Graythen / Staff

Like Daniels, Burrow also won the Heisman, doing so in 2019 when leading LSU to a perfect record and College Football Playoff national championship.

His No. 9 jersey has not been worn by any Tigers player since then, and ESPN has reported that Daniels "believes he is being treated differently than Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow."

How LSU's Lane Kiffin responded

Kiffin told reporters that the No. 5 jersey was "promised" to Pickett during the recruitment process.

That predated the head coach's arrival, but he believes the agreement should be honoured.

"... when a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it. So, at that point, I don't think that's really my decision. We should honor what he was told," he said.

How this ends is anyone's guess, but the hope is that an amicable resolution can be reached between the two sides.

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