LSU cornerback DJ Pickett is keeping what he says is rightfully his — the Tigers’ No. 5 jersey number.
Despite pushback from former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Pickett insists on wearing the jersey number next season.
“I’ve worn the number my whole life, since I was 4 years old,” Pickett told reporters on Thursday, according to ESPN. “It’s the number I was promised [by LSU]. I wish Jayden the best. Good player, and he did real good here [at LSU]. So, that’s all.”
Pickett’s comments came just hours after Daniels sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter that the university can no longer use his name, image and likeness (NIL) after the football program gave his No. 5 jersey to the sophomore defensive back.
“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” a spokesperson for Daniels’ said in a statement, per ESPN. “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.”
Daniels, 25, spent two seasons at LSU, winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy after racking up 3,812 passing yards with 40 touchdowns, helping lead the Tigers to a 10-3 record.
Now entering his third NFL season with the Commanders, Daniels insisted that all of his focus is on training camp with Washington, saying in a statement that he hopes everything can “be resolved.”
“I have been locked in on training camp and that’s been my number one focus,” Daniels said. “I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU and I’m proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there. Obviously there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU and my hope is that it will get done privately.
“My sole personal focus is on Commanders’ football. I realize the business of football is unique and I trust this can all be resolved.”
