Jayden Daniels, a Washington Commanders quarterback, is embroiled in a dispute with LSU over the No. 5 jersey. Daniels' attorney informed LSU it can no longer use his name, image, and likeness due to the conflict, stemming from cornerback DJ Pickett wearing the jersey that Daniels wore during his 2023 Heisman-winning season. The saga has sparked internet trolling. Stub Hub halted group sales of 5 tickets, NASCAR’s TRICON Garage avoided the 5, and Minor League Baseball joked about a 5:05 p.m. resumption. The New York Mets amplified the trolling after their 4-1 win over the Nationals, posting a graphic stating they “Stopped at 4 out of respect for Jayden Daniels.” The post garnered 8,700 retweets and 108,000 likes.

The dispute highlights how personal branding clashes can transcend sports. LSU’s decision to allow Pickett to wear the 5 drew backlash from Daniels, who views it as a violation of his legacy. The Mets’ playful roast underscores the viral nature of the conflict, blending sports rivalries with social media virality.

While primarily a college football issue, the fallout has reached MLB and beyond. Entities like Stub Hub and NASCAR are avoiding the 5, reflecting the cultural weight of Daniels’ association with the number. The Mets’ gesture, though humorous, adds fuel to the fire, showcasing how a single jersey can become a lightning rod for controversy.