The LSU Tigers have produced a number of college football legends and many of those stars went on to make an impact in the NFL. One of those legends is quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has unfortunately found himself at the center of some drama with his alma mater.
The ongoing saga, of course, stems from LSU giving his No. 5 jersey to highly touted recruit DJ Pickett. The backlash has been well documented and even led to a viral meme sensation. However, another LSU legend has now added fuel to the fire.
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Leonard Fournette recently visited his alma mater and gifted two outstanding LSU Tigers with his former No. 7 jersey. However, he also gave Pickett a No. 5 chain that quickly went viral on social media.
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“Leonard Fournette was back in Baton Rouge this week to honor Trey’Dez Green + Whit Weeks with the coveted No. 7. The #LSU icon also took the time to provide the team with chains – gifting DJ Pickett a No. 5 chain on Wednesday. ‘Gotta bless the 5.'” Zack Nagy of 247Sports reported on X.
Fournette showing Daniels how it’s done
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) rushes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports (Reuters)
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Fournette is one of the most legendary LSU products to ever play college football. He was an All-American and one of the most dominant running backs in the country during his time in Baton Rouge.
Instead of taking issue with LSU giving his former number to another player, Fournette embraced the situation. He celebrated two outstanding Tigers and, by giving Pickett a No. 5 chain, appeared to embrace the freshman wearing the number that once belonged to Daniels.
That is where the contrast with Daniels becomes notable.
Daniels has every right to feel a connection to the No. 5 after establishing himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in LSU history. However, Fournette’s response shows there is another way to approach the situation.
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Rather than allowing the jersey number to become a source of division, he turned it into an opportunity to support another player. If anything, Daniels can learn from Fournette. LSU’s history is bigger than any one player and legends have an opportunity to help the next generation create their own legacy.
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