Why Commanders’ Jayden Daniels is taking NIL legal action against LSU football

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is putting his foot down on the alleged continued use of his name, image, and likeness (NIL) by LSU. His camp sent a letter to LSU on August 5 regarding the matter, according to a report from ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.

Schlabach said, citing Daniels’ spokesperson, it came after the 25-year-0ld star learned that the Tigers allowed cornerback DJ Pickett to wear jersey No. 5, which was what Daniels wore during his two years at LSU. The school has not retired Daniels’ jersey.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin said Pickett was promised he could wear it when he signed with the team in 2024, as noted by Schlabach. Pickett wore jersey No. 3 last year.

According to the letter from Daniels’ camp, his family was “deeply disappointed” and felt “profoundly disrespected” by the Tigers’ decision.

“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,” said the statement.

It added that Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 before being drafted at No. 2 by the Commanders in 2024, “made it clear” to his alma mater that he did not want another player to wear jersey No. 5 anymore.

On Thursday, his camp sent LSU a cease-and-desist order regarding Daniels’ NIL, a copy of which was shared by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

“The agreement Mr. Daniels entered into with LSU and/or its Athletics Compliance Office provided LSU with, at most, a limited one-hundred-eighty (180) day post-termination or post-expiration grace period for the continued use of Mr. Daniels’ NIL. That grace period has long expired,” wrote Daniels’ attorney, Adam Kenner.

LSU has retired the jerseys of four football players: Halfback Billy Cannon (No. 20), defensive back Tommy Casanova (No. 37), halfback Jerry Stovall (No. 21), and running back Charles Alexander (No. 4).