Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Sends Cease And Desist to LSU

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The Washington Commanders are on the verge of officially kicking off the first of three preseason games on Friday night after the Miami Dolphins stayed in town following Wednesday's joint practice to square off at Northwest Stadium. Yet the Commanders' leader, quarterback Jayden Daniels, found himself in the headlines late on Wednesday night due to a dispute stemming from his college career.

ESPN reported that Daniels and his camp have informed LSU that the school can no longer use his name, image and likeness in a letter Daniels' camp issued to the Tigers on Aug. 5. The reason? Daniels is unhappy that LSU freshman cornerback DJ Pickett is currently wearing the number five jersey, the same number that Daniels wore.

After beginning his college career at Arizona State under former NFL head coach Herm Edwards, Daniels departed in what proved to be a transfer that drew headlines due to the reaction from his former teammates before becoming a star at LSU for his final two seasons. It was at LSU where Daniels cemented himself as one of the best quarterbacks not just in the SEC, but in the country after his eight touchdowns vs. Georgia State midway through 2023 set an SEC record. He then became the third player in LSU history to win the Heisman Trophy after Billy Cannon in 1959 and Joe Burrow in 2019, cementing himself among the Tiger fanbase while posting consecutive ten win seasons.

Though Daniels' attorney noted that LSU had permission to use his name, image and likeness for 180 days after his final college game, it marks a peculiar lawsuit for Daniels, who has drawn criticism in the wake of the report.

The issue also stems from DJ Pickett allegedly being promised the chance to wear the jersey number during his recruitment, a statement that head coach Lane Kiffin made before former head coach Brian Kelly clarified he chose not to issue the number as promised because "Daniels wasn't on board with Pickett wearing his number." Kiffin went ahead with the jersey promise given and cited the promise made to the incoming five-star as reason to follow through despite the ongoing dispute. Though Daniels' number is not retired, no LSU player has worn the number nine since quarterback Joe Burrow did so during his Heisman Trophy and national championship season in 2019.

Daniels materialized into the number two overall pick after his two seasons at LSU, becoming the franchise quarterback in Washington as he looks to lead a Commanders offense into 2026 one season after appearing in only seven games due to injuries.

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