Jayden Daniels is facing heavy criticism from all corners of the sports world after sending a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, demanding that the school stop using his name, image, and likeness.
The controversy has also put his mother/agent Regina Jackson in the spotlight over her role in the incident, prompting ESPN icon Linda Cohn to weigh in.
Linda Cohn Questions Jayden Daniels’ Mother’s Approach
Jackson previously made it clear that she is extremely protective of Daniels and remains cautious about people who may try to enter his inner circle for the wrong reasons.
She is Daniels’ NFLPA-certified contract advisor and also serves as the Washington Commanders quarterback’s agent. Both Jackson and Ron Butler previously represented Daniels, but the NFLPA now lists Jackson as his sole representative.
That is why, during an appearance on “The Colin Cowherd Podcast” this week, former NFL scout John Middlekauff suggested that Daniels’ mother could be behind some of the tension surrounding the No. 5 controversy.
Cohn, who is also a mother of two, believes Jackson may need to establish boundaries regarding Daniels’ professional career.
“It’s hard to hear, I know, but sometimes the greatest gift a mother can give her adult child is not protection,” Cohn said. “No, it’s trust. That’s right. The greatest gift a parent, a mom, can give their child is not protection; it’s trust.
“So that’s my question right now: Is Regina Jackson doing what any loving mother would do, protecting her son in an unforgiving world, or is there a point when protecting your child becomes preventing your child from learning how to protect himself? Jayden Daniels is 24. He’s not a little boy anymore. He’s a man, and maybe it’s time to let him be one.”
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“Mother doesn’t always know best.” Jayden Daniels’ mom, Regina Jackson, believes she’s just protecting her son. Do you? Full episode on YouTube. pic.twitter.com/6zmdWvoMDe
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) August 19, 2026
The controversy surrounding Daniels began with the No. 5 jersey he wore during his Heisman Trophy-winning 2023 season at LSU. His camp viewed the number as an important part of his Tigers legacy, but LSU didn’t officially retire the shirt.
Under the school’s rules, a player must be out of the program for at least five years before his number can even be considered for retirement.
LSU ultimately awarded No. 5 to D.J. Pickett, a sophomore who was promised the number during Brian Kelly’s tenure. Though Kelly was fired last season, Lane Kiffin’s new coaching staff honored that commitment and gave the jersey to the former five-star recruit.
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Daniels’ camp reportedly viewed the decision as a lack of respect for his accomplishments at LSU.
ESPN reports also indicated that Daniels believes he is being treated differently from Joe Burrow. LSU’s iconic No. 9 has not been worn since Burrow led the Tigers to a national championship in 2019, even though the number has not been retired officially.
All things considered, the entire situation could have been avoided, especially considering Daniels’ status as an LSU legend.
He led the Tigers to a 10-3 record during the 2023 season and finished No. 1 in PFN’s QB Impact rankings that year with an outstanding 99.4 grade. However, the controversy has now reached the point where even some LSU fans aren’t shy about outlining their distaste for the situation.
A number of organizations, including the New York Mets, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and StubHub, all joined in poking fun at Daniels’ cease-and-desist over the week.
