We have comments from Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and his brother, Josh Downs, on their charity that is fighting homelessness. The brothers also talked some football, including battles growing up, the competition between Malik Hartford and Jaylen McClain to start and much more.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has teamed up with his brother – Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs – to raise money to combat homelessness. They formed the Trust Downs Foundation and held a fundraiser on Monday at Topgolf in Columbus. Proceeds will benefit the Huckleberry House in Columbus, which focuses on assisting young people who are struggling to find shelter.
"Homelessness is a huge cause and a huge thing in America," Josh Downs said. "So, we feel like with the resources we've been blessed with, we can help give back to the community in any way possible. I mean, Caleb is huge here in Columbus and the Huckleberry House is (a great cause) and he wanted to give back and we want to give back as best as possible. So, we're doing this just to show our thanks to the community and is a good way to give back."
[You can watch the full interview with the Downs brothers here.]
Talkin' shop
Plenty of football questions were posed to the brothers, including Josh's assessment of Caleb as a player. The younger Downs has ascended into one of the elite players in the country with many touting him as the best performer on the defensive side of the ball in the nation. He's also projected as an early first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"He's an incredible talent and studies the game like a true student," Josh said. "He's so mature. He was probably one of the best safeties if not the best safety in college football his first season (at Alabama) and now he's just solidified that role. Really just elevating his game for hopefully his last season and then carrying it on to the next level."
And those words mean a lot to Caleb because has always looked up to his older brother.
"For me, it was more getting bullied by the big brother," Caleb said with a laugh. "That was something that shaped me into who I am. Him making me tougher since I was a kid and I feel like a lot of the things that shape who I am today is based off of me learning from him and watching how he succeeded and how he failed. As a younger sibling, that creates a lot of knowledge and wisdom in how you want to operate. So, I feel like that's helped me grow a lot faster than most and I just appreciate him for it."
Downs is helping mentor the two safeties who are vying for a starting spot next to him: Malik Hartford and Jaylen McClain. And he is pleased with their progress.
"I ain't gonna lie, they've been working extremely hard this summer and it's been an honor to watch them work and just an honor to be a part of it. To be a brother and a friend and be a part of it, and also having that experience where I can help them in any way I can. I feel like they're going to excel when they get their opportunity. They're both going to have their opportunities to play for sure. And it's going to be a battle that I'm going to enjoy watching during fall camp."
This article originates on Bucknuts.