Jayden Daniels (Image Source: Getty)Jayden Daniels wanted the controversy surrounding his LSU No. 5 jersey to stay away from his NFL career. Instead, the Washington Commanders quarterback’s attempt to calm the situation has sparked another wave of criticism online. After reports of a cease-and-desist letter sent to LSU, Daniels addressed the dispute publicly and made it clear where his priorities now lie.Jayden Daniels addresses LSU No. 5 jersey controversyDaniels spoke out after LSU decided to give his former No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett ahead of the 2026 college football season. The number had remained unused since Daniels left Baton Rouge for the NFL, which made its return a sensitive issue for supporters of the former Tigers star.The quarterback did not attack LSU in his statement. Instead, he struck a noticeably restrained tone and stressed that he remains focused on Washington Commanders football.“I have been locked in on training camp, and that's been my number one focus,” Daniels wrote. “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.”His comments came after reports that his representative had sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter over the use of his NIL. A spokesperson for Daniels also said his family felt “profoundly disrespected” by the decision and believed the No. 5 would remain protected because of his legacy at LSU.That explanation did little to quiet the reaction.NFL fans turn on Jayden Daniels after cease-and-desist disputeSome NFL fans viewed Daniels’ latest statement as an attempt to distance himself from a controversy that had already grown larger than expected. Several comments also dragged his mother into the dispute, suggesting she may have played a major role in the decision to challenge LSU.One fan wrote, “Translation: “My mom did this, I’m worried about football.””Another added, “Yikes... this makes him look even worse.”The criticism was not limited to Daniels’ handling of the dispute. Some fans questioned whether the quarterback had enough historical connection to LSU to expect special treatment for the number.One comment read, “Didnt even win a natty and wants his number retired lmfao”The backlash highlights the difficult balance former college stars face when their legacy becomes part of a program’s wider business. Daniels remains one of LSU’s most recognizable recent quarterbacks, but the school also has to manage current players, recruiting commitments and its own traditions.Former LSU running back Leonard Fournette has already urged Daniels to step away from the fight. Speaking on the “4th & South” podcast, Fournette pointed to his own experience with LSU’s No. 7 jersey.“Jayden, listen bro, just let it go,” Fournette said. “No player is bigger than the LSU brand. I'm gonna say this once again: before I got to LSU, Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson, number seven wasn't worn for two years.“I was the right recruit that wanted the number, and also I'm from the Seven Ward, so it represents my hood and my neighborhood where I'm from. And they gave it to me.”For now, LSU has not reversed its decision to give No. 5 to Pickett. Daniels, meanwhile, appears determined to keep his attention on the Commanders. Whether the two sides resolve the disagreement privately could determine how quickly the controversy fades.