Jayden Daniels had an incredible career at LSU. He won the Heisman Trophy, became the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft and will forever be remembered as one of the best quarterbacks to wear purple and gold.
But this latest controversy? Daniels is being a baby.
Daniels’ representatives sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter after the Tigers gave sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett the No. 5 jersey, the same number Daniels wore during his two seasons in Baton Rouge. His family said it felt “profoundly disrespected” by the decision and believed No. 5 should remain protected as part of his LSU legacy.
Come on.
Daniels was phenomenal at LSU, especially during his 2023 Heisman season when he threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Nobody can take that away from him.
But LSU never retired No. 5.
Pickett also isn’t some random player who decided he wanted Daniels’ number. The former five-star cornerback says he has worn No. 5 since he was four years old, and former LSU coach Brian Kelly confirmed that Pickett was promised the number during his recruitment. Current coach Lane Kiffin essentially said LSU should honor that promise.
That’s where Daniels loses me.
There is also a huge difference between Daniels and Joe Burrow, whose No. 9 hasn’t been worn since his legendary 2019 season. Burrow didn’t just win the Heisman. He led LSU to a 15-0 season and a national championship while producing arguably the greatest quarterback season college football has ever seen. Daniels won the Heisman, but LSU went 10-3 and didn’t compete for a championship during his final season.
Daniels deserves to be celebrated at LSU. He deserves to be remembered as a Tiger legend.
But acting like another player wearing No. 5 somehow damages that legacy is ridiculous.
If anything, sending lawyers after your former school because another player received your jersey number makes this situation look much worse than simply allowing Pickett to wear it.
Your legacy isn’t a number.
Daniels already earned his place in LSU history. He doesn’t need to throw a fit over somebody else wearing No. 5.
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