Should the LSU Tigers retire Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels’ No. 5? The Tigers protected Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s No. 9, creating an interesting debate over whether Daniels deserves the same treatment.
Burrow had 5,671 passing yards while completing 76.3% of his passes, with 60 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2019. He went 15-0 while going 7-0 against top-10 teams.
He delivered arguably the greatest individual season in college football history with the Tigers. He won a CFP National Championship and was a unanimous Heisman Trophy winner in 2019.
Daniels had 3,812 passing yards while completing 72.2% of his passes, with 40 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He had a 10-3 record in 2023.
He was the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner despite not winning a National Championship, while also earning AP Player of the Year, First-Team All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and First-Team All-SEC honors.
Daniels’ legal team has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Tigers regarding the use of his name and likeness, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. His legal team cited the school’s decision to allow sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to switch from No. 3 to No. 5 as the reason for the cease-and-desist letter.
Pickett wore No. 3 during his freshman season with the Tigers in 2024 and earned Freshman All-American honors. He led LSU with three interceptions, along with 37 tackles and a sack in 524 defensive snaps.
Jayden and his camp have requested that LSU return its copy of the Heisman Trophy, according to Louisiana Sports Publisher Matt Moscona. LSU has no plans to return the trophy and is undecided to what degree it will comply with the cease-and-desist letter, noting that it is not a legally binding document.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly confirmed that the commitment to Daniels existed but said his staff had held off because Daniels didn’t want another player wearing the number. Now, the dispute involves Daniels, LSU, DJ, NIL rights, and the legacy of one of the program’s biggest stars.
That’s a little too much outrage over a quarterback having an opinion. Daniels and Burrow are both LSU legends, and comparing two great quarterbacks doesn’t disrespect the Tigers in any way.
Let the season settle the debate. Talk is cheap—yards, wins, and playoff performances will do the talking.
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