The top rookie will wear new digits for OTAs, but he still may not have found his permanent jersey for the regular season.
Understandably, Dallas Cowboys fans are eager to get their hands on a Caleb Downs jersey to represent the team's top rookie, who figures to be a cornerstone piece on the defense for years to come.
But after rookie minicamp, fans were left underwhelmed that Downs had worn jersey No. 18 instead of the No. 2 he starred in as a high school recruit and a college All-American at Ohio State.
"We're gonna see what happens," Downs said about whether he'd wear the No. 18 for the season. "That's the only thing I'm going to say about that."
Dallas' new cornerback Cobie Durant currently owns No. 2, but Downs now has a new number, as well, going into OTAs.
According to the team website, Downs will switch to No. 13 as the new phase of the offseason program begins at The Star.
On the team's official Pro Shop page, Downs jerseys are graced with the lucky number and available for purchase.
via shop.dallascowboys.comHowever, fans shouldn't get their hopes up too high. Jersey numbers are still subject to change before training camp and Week 1 roll around.
Several other teams have made social media graphics displaying their rookie's official jersey numbers, but the fact that the Cowboys have still yet to join in the trend gives you all the insight you may need about the potential shuffle.
Whatever number he's been wearing, Downs shared what it's been like being in the NFL.
"It's definitely a surreal moment to be able to have that experience and do that," Downs said about being on the phone with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on draft night.
"Just to have my family there, have people that have been around me since I was a kid, that's an awesome thing to do. And then to see the team that picked me, I'd say, it's an honor to see it for sure."
Through minicamp, new defensive coordinator Christian Parker has been intentional about spending time with his new safety. Parker spoke glowingly about the traits he recognized in the prospect.
"Premium instincts,'' Parker said of what jumps out about Downs. "You can tell his football intellect, the way he directs traffic out there, the way he reads and reacts, his brain is connected with his feet, it was constant. You’re watching three years of film and there’s not a difference in the tape. He’s constantly making the right decision, constantly down on the football, constantly making contact with it, constantly just in the right spot."
"At the end of the day, it's about people making plays, about playing football. That's what I am, I'm a football player. I can say that confidently, above anything else, I'm a football player." Downs said.
"I make plays on the field. That's all that matters."
