Copyright yardbarker
Gardner has worn the number one jersey his entire NFL career. And he also wore the number in college at Cincinnati. It seems to be a number that matters to Gardner, and after the initial shock of the trade, many wondered what he would do with the number already being worn by WR Josh Downs. Well, fans didn't even have to wait a day to find out, as former Colts punter and now media icon Pat McAfee shared on X that his former jersey number would be changing hands. Downs had worn the number one ever since being drafted to the Colts. He is now changing to the number two, allowing Gardner to continue wearing one. It is unknown at this time whether I'd Gardner bought the number off Downs to facilitate this change, but I'm sure he will be asked about it in his introduction press conference. A cool part of this change for Downs is that he now wears the same number as his brother Caleb Downs, who wears two on the Ohio State defense. And the brothers’ podcast “Downs 2 Business” now has a double use for the number two. Colts fans have grown to love Downs in the number one for the iconic “First Downs” slogan that is used after every first-down reception by the WR. I don't think that goes away, as I don't think his jersey number really matters in that situation, with his last name still being perfect for the slogan. And if you are still having mixed feelings about this change, here is a first look at Downs in the number two via his Instagram account.
