The Indianapolis Colts made the biggest move of the 2025 NFL trade deadline, trading for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. Already, he is getting plenty of respect from his new teammates, particularly when it comes to Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.
Since his collegiate playing days at the University of Cincinnati, Gardner has worn the No. 1 jersey. However, coming to Indianapolis raised some questions as to whether this would continue in his new home, as this is the number Josh Downs has worn throughout his career in Indianapolis.
Shortly after the trade was finalized for Gardner on Tuesday, a decision was made as to what jersey number he would be wearing with the Colts.
According to former Colts punter and current sports media personality Pat McAfee, Downs will be handing over the No. 1 jersey number to Gardner and instead wear No. 2 moving forward.
Interestingly, Downs will now wear the same jersey number as his brother, Ohio State standout safety Caleb Downs, who is likely to be one of the top picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. So clearly, the new number at least seems to have some meaning in the family.
This decision just goes to show that Gardner certainly seems to be a welcome addition in Indianapolis. Though Downs did share a story on Instagram that alluded to being sad to see Adonai Mitchell, a fellow wide receiver, head to New York in the trade.
The Colts did give up plenty of assets to bring in Gardner. A 2026 and 2027 first-round pick will also be heading to the Jets, along with Mitchell were part of the trade compensation.
With that in mind, it will likely take some time to see just how good a trade this move was for both teams from a long-term perspective.
Regardless, for the remainder of the 2025 season, the addition of Gardner should only add to the Colts’ case as true contenders in the AFC this year.
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