Former Ohio State Buckeyes' safety Caleb Downs wore Jersey No. 18 during his rookie minicamp, but is set to wear Jersey No. 13 for the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) of the Dallas Cowboys. 

Though jersey numbers are expected to change before the regular season begins, Downs is currently satisfied with No. 13. He cited former Alabama safety Malachi Moore as the inspiration for his jersey choice.

"I mean, it was [Odell Beckham Jr.], but like defensive-wise, it was Malachi Moore," Downs said during an episode of the Downs to Business podcast. "Shout out to Malachi. When he was at Bama his freshman year, watching that, when I was like a freshman in high school, I was like, oh, that's tough, 13, that’s smooth.”

Moore was selected in the fourth round (No. 130) of the 2025 NFL draft by the New York Jets and recorded 101 tackles (56 solo) and three tackles for loss in 2025.

Ranked as the No. 8 safety in the nation by 247Sports, he was a four-star recruit out of Hewitt-Trussell High School before signing with the University of Alabama. 

But when Downs wore No. 18, many pointed out how it was not a number for defensive backs in the league.

"It was so controversial cuz it was definitely some people that was like, 'Oh, that's a great number,'" Downs added. "I was like, 'No, I'm not wearing that.' 13 way better. I ain't going to lie."

While Downs currently wears No. 13, fans and his family have urged him to pursue the No. 2 jersey.

Will Caleb Downs Get His Preferred No. 2 Jersey?

Caleb Downs was expected by fans, including his mother, to wear the No. 2 jersey that he sported throughout his high school and collegiate career.

But as it's currently worn by cornerback Cobie Durant, he settled for No. 13. With that, QB Sam Howell is moving from No. 13 to No. 16, and UDFA WR Jordan Hudson is moving from No. 16 to No. 18.

He preferred No. 2 as that's the number he wore for the most important achievements in his collegiate career. He won the Jim Thorpe Award and National Championship for Ohio State in 2025 while wearing that same number.

However, Downs has been clear that he will be playing his best regardless of the jersey he wears, emphasizing to prove himself. 

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore