Joe Burrow said LSU officials told him they “wouldn’t use” his No. 9 jersey again, though he added “you never know what happens” over time.
The comment came as LSU faces a fight over No. 5, which sophomore DJ Pickett is taking after Jayden Daniels wore it in 2022 and 2023 and no player used it after his exit.
Thursday, a Daniels representative sent LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry a cease-and-desist letter barring the school from using Daniels’ name, image and likeness; Daniels said unresolved issues remain but he hopes to settle them privately.
Pickett’s father said his son does not plan to give up No. 5, and LSU’s 2007 jersey-retirement bylaws allow retired numbers to stay in circulation at the head coach’s discretion.
Burrow’s No. 9 carries special weight from LSU’s 15-0 2019 title team, which scored an FBS-record 726 points after he won the Heisman.