Reports emerged today that Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is having serious issues with his alma mater LSU over the football team's decision to re-issue his No. 5 jersey. Now, another LSU alum - former ESPN analyst Ryan Clark - hopes to clear the air.
Following news of Daniels' cease-and-desist for LSU, Clark took to X and claimed that the situation is all about "respect." He said that he believes Daniels should be more properly respected and honored for his contributions to the school and hopes things get resolved respectfully.
"Before the rumor mill runs wild, or things get taken out of context, hoping to provide some clarity- The Daniels’ camp understands that the No. 5 jersey is not retired at LSU, nor have they ever asked for it to be. The cease-and-desist is not about the number itself or about DJ Pickett. It is about respect—and the process by which that number was ultimately given out. For those attempting to make this about Jayden and Joe Burrow, that narrative is simply not accurate. This is about respecting and honoring a young man who brought the program its third Heisman Trophy and represented LSU with distinction. I’ve spoken with people on both sides about this situation, & I’ll add this. I love this young man, and I love my school. My hope is that this situation can be resolved in a respectful manner that honors everyone involved and, most importantly, recognizes what Jayden Daniels accomplished for LSU. Now, Jayden wants to focus on the excitement around the team, how well camp is going & winning games for the Commanders," Clark wrote.
What's the verdict?
Some fans felt confused by Clark's reasoning while others dismissed the entire situation as Daniels just being petty or not focused on football:
"So, it’s not about the No. 5, but it’s about the No. 5. Got it! Thanks for clearing that up," one user on X mocked.
"Yeah man. Releasing a tone deaf public statement in the dead of night definitely shows the focus of a franchise player..." wrote another.
"he respect and process of giving out a jersey number ????? Do we live in the real world ? And what do you mean it’s not about the number clearly you are a tweeting contraction of your own words … someone take the app away lol," a third wrote.
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In two years at LSU, Daniels had one of the most prolific seasons in school history. His 40 passing TDs in 2023 were the second-most in school history and his 606 yards of total offense against Florida that year shattered the school record.
For his efforts in 2023, he won the Heisman Trophy and went on to go No. 2 overall to the Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft.
