JOE BURROW SAYS LSU PROMISED NOT TO REISSUE HIS NO. 9

Joe Burrow stated that LSU officials told him they would not reissue his No. 9 jersey, whilst declining to comment extensively on a dispute between the university and former quarterback Jayden Daniels over jersey number allocation. Burrow, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, said he had only recently learned of the situation. He acknowledged uncertainty about the full circumstances surrounding the disagreement.

The dispute centres on LSU's decision to allow recruit DJ Pickett to wear No. 5, a number he had worn since childhood and used during his official visit to the university. LSU's previous coaching staff had reportedly promised Pickett the number as part of his recruitment, but he wore No. 3 as a freshman. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin later chose to honour that promise and allowed Pickett to switch to No. 5. Daniels' family stated they felt "profoundly disrespected" by the decision, arguing the number should have remained protected as part of Daniels' LSU legacy, and subsequently issued a cease-and-desist notice regarding LSU's use of Daniels' name, image and likeness.

The situation reflects a broader practice at LSU of preserving former players' numbers. LSU has never formally retired Burrow's No. 9, though the university indicated it would keep the number out of circulation. Kiffin stated that honouring recruitment promises made to players was important, saying that when a recruit is promised a specific number to join the school, that commitment should be fulfilled.