Ryan Clark defends Jayden Daniels amid LSU controversy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 7:26 AM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
Former NFL player Ryan Clark has publicly supported Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels amid a growing dispute with LSU over his jersey number. Daniels is facing criticism after directing his attorney to ask LSU to stop using his name, related to the reissue of his former No. 5 jersey to another player. Clark argues that the matter is not just about the jersey but about respect and recognition of Daniels' contributions to the program. He described the surrounding criticism as a "smear campaign" and emphasized that both Daniels and Joe Burrow can coexist in the narrative of LSU football history. Daniels, who won the 2023 Heisman Trophy, begins his third NFL season with high expectations this year.
- •Jayden Daniels defends his NIL rights against LSU's jersey reissue.
- •Ryan Clark criticizes the backlash Daniels faces from NFL fans.
- •Clark emphasizes respect for both Daniels and Joe Burrow.
- •Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy and was drafted in 2024.
- •Commanders start the season with tough matchups against the Eagles and Cowboys.
- 7:26 AMYahoo Sports — Former Steeler Rushes to Jayden Daniels’ Defense as Ex-LSU Star Faces Heat From Several Quarters
"The dispute between Jayden Daniels and LSU has grown far beyond the controversy over his jersey number, with the Washington Commanders’ quarterback becoming the subject of internet memes. However, former LSU standout Ryan Clark has continued to defend Daniels, but the ex-ESPN star’s latest comments on the ongoing LSU controversy did not sit well with the NFL community.
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