The dispute between Jayden Daniels and LSU has grown far beyond the controversy over his jersey number, with the Washington Commanders’ quarterback becoming the subject of internet memes.
However, former LSU standout Ryan Clark has continued to defend Daniels, but the ex-ESPN star’s latest comments on the ongoing LSU controversy did not sit well with the NFL community.
Ryan Clark Mounts Defense of Jayden Daniels Amid LSU Dispute
When initial reports emerged that Daniels directed his attorney to LSU to stop using his NIL following the school’s decision to award his former No. 5 jersey to D.J. Pickett, Clark sharply defended him.
Clark argued that Daniels’ camp said the issue was never about the jersey itself but rather about respect and the process LSU followed before reissuing the number.
Clark added that he hopes the matter can be resolved respectfully while properly recognizing Daniels’ contributions to the Tigers program.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers safety doubled down on his support Sunday, saying the ongoing criticism of Daniels had turned into a “smear campaign.”
“The smear campaign against Jayden Daniels bothers me,” Clark said. “Whatever your opinion on the NIL cease-and-desist, nothing changes the way Jayden has represented himself, his family, and LSU- with class and integrity.
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“What bothers me even more is seeing former players and fans try to pit Jayden against Joe Burrow, as if one diminishes the other. Joe is the greatest Tiger to ever live. But what Jayden meant did in Death Valley deserves to be immortalized in Tiger lore, too.”
The smear campaign against Jayden Daniels bothers me. Whatever your opinion on the NIL cease-and-desist, nothing changes the way Jayden has represented himself, his family, and LSU—with class and integrity.
What bothers me even more is seeing former players and fans try to pit… pic.twitter.com/VJKqSNaVY0
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 16, 2026
There is a reason why the Burrow comparison came up: Daniels’ representation doesn’t believe he is getting the same respect Burrow receives at LSU, considering no player has donned his No. 9 since he entered the NFL in 2020.
According to Louisiana sports personality Matt Moscona, Daniels and his representatives have also requested that LSU return its copy of the Heisman Trophy.
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However, Daniels’ accomplishments at LSU remain difficult to dispute, as he produced one of the greatest campaigns in program history in just two seasons with the Tigers. He won the 2023 Heisman Trophy before being selected by the Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft. According to PFN’s CFB QB Impact Metric, Daniels recorded a nation-leading impact score of 99.4 during his Heisman-winning season.
Daniels is now entering his third NFL season and faces significant expectations. Washington opens the year with challenging games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks. A strong start could quickly shift the conversation back to his play on the field, but if he struggles, the memes surrounding the No. 5 dispute are unlikely to fade anytime soon.
