Jayden Daniels has broken his silence after his legal team sent LSU a letter demanding that the school stop using his name, image, and likeness.
The Washington Commanders quarterback addressed the situation Thursday after his attorney informed LSU that it could no longer use his NIL.
Jayden Daniels Is Focused on Commanders’ 2026 NFL Season
The dispute centers around the Tigers allowing sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear the No. 5 jersey Daniels wore during his Heisman-winning season.
“I have been locked in on training camp and that’s been my number one focus. I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU and I’m proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there,” Daniels said. “Obviously there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU and my hope is that it will get done privately.”
Daniels made it clear that his attention remains on Washington as the NFL season approaches.
“My sole personal focus is on Commanders’ football. I realize the business of football is unique and I trust this can all be resolved,” he added.
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The legal dispute has nevertheless sparked plenty of criticism online. Daniels’ camp said the family was deeply disappointed after LSU gave his No. 5 to Pickett, despite the number not being officially retired.
The NFL world on social media was quick to react to the situation:
NFL writer Matt Verderame said, “This is so weak. Horrible look.”
This is so weak. Horrible look. https://t.co/ribJJueR1l
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) August 13, 2026
NFL analyst RJ Ochoa wrote, “This feels like it does nothing to make anything go away.”
“A statement from Jayden but if the hope was to do it privately, why the cease-and-desist and then why the public statement?” asked Chris Russell.
Podcaster Van Winkle said, “This is such a nothing statement.”
This is such a nothing statement …. https://t.co/91c4lDmOAD
— Van Winkle (@TitansVan) August 13, 2026
Award-winning journalist Zach Nuñez posted, “Yeah, Jayden had very little idea or say in any of this.”
Arrowhead Live’s account on X wrote, “I’m genuinely confused by this… he’s (expletive) that LSU is allowing his number to be used, but not Burrow’s? What does he think a cease and desist is going to do? He’s not legally entitled to decide how that number is used at LSU😂”
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Daniels’ attorney’s letter reportedly centers on LSU’s continued use of his NIL. His spokesperson linked the dispute to Pickett receiving No. 5. LSU has not retired the number, and Pickett had previously worn No. 3.
Pickett was promised No. 5 by LSU’s previous coaching staff during his recruitment. “About the number situation, I’ve worn the number my whole life,” Pickett said Thursday. “Since I was 4 years old. It’s something I was promised. I wish Jayden the best. He’s a good player, did real good here.”
#LSU cornerback DJ Pickett took the podium following Day 8 of Fall Camp to address the Jayden Daniels situation.
Pickett wishes Daniels the best – but will remain in No. 5.
“It’s the number I was promised.”
Pickett’s entire statement from Thursday: pic.twitter.com/7quUGqopAs
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) August 13, 2026
Pickett had a strong freshman season in 2025. He earned freshman All-American honors. He led LSU with three interceptions while recording 37 tackles and 1 sack in 524 defensive snaps.
On the other hand, Daniels spent two seasons at LSU after transferring from Arizona State. In 26 games with the Tigers, he completed 502 of 715 passes for 6,725 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 2,019 yards and 21 touchdowns on 321 carries.
Prior to getting drafted by Washington with the second overall pick in 2024, Daniels won the Heisman Trophy and posted an impact score of 99.4 in 2023 with LSU, which, according to PFN’s CFB QB Impact Metric, is the best score by a quarterback in the last seven seasons.
