DJ Pickett Stands Firm on LSU No. 5 Jersey

LSU cornerback DJ Pickett is adamant about keeping the Tigers’ No. 5 jersey, which he feels he has a rightful claim to.

Despite some pushback from former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Pickett made it clear he wants to wear that jersey number next season.

“I’ve been wearing this number since I was 4 years old,” Pickett told reporters. “It’s the promised number from LSU. I hope Jayden is doing well. He’s a talented player who really put in the effort here. That’s all there is to it.”

His remarks arrived shortly after Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, barring the school from using his name, image, and likeness after they gave his number to Pickett.

“The Daniels family is very disappointed in LSU’s choice to give Jayden’s number to someone else and feels quite disrespected,” a spokesperson for Daniels stated. “Jayden and his family believed his number would stay an important part of LSU’s legacy, recognizing his significant contributions to the university.”

Daniels, now 25, played two seasons at LSU, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in the team’s 10-3 season and winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

Currently a quarterback in his third NFL season with the Commanders, Daniels said his focus is on training camp and expressed hope that the matter can be “resolved.”

“I was focused entirely on training camp,” he remarked. “I appreciate my time at LSU and am proud of what we achieved there. There are issues that need to be sorted out between my team and LSU, and I hope they can be resolved privately.”

“My main concern right now is coaching football. I know the business side of football is complicated, but I believe we can find solutions to these issues.”