The Dallas Cowboys landed arguably the best player in the draft in All-American safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State.
A safety who can play in so many positions is what the Cowboys need after a horrendous defense in 2025. Downs is a Day 1 starter and a pure athlete who's going to change the culture immediately, but fans couldn't help but point out his new look.
We're referring to Downs wearing the No. 18. Of course, we want to be nice and not say the look is ugly, but Downs at No. 18? Is he Peyton Manning? It even grabbed the attention of former Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci, who begged his former team to change his number.
Ben DiNucci roasts Cowboys for letting Caleb Downs wear No. 18
Cowboys drafted me in the 7th round and were going to let me wear #1
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) May 2, 2026
This dude was a first rounder, we can’t get him in some single digits ?! 🤣 https://t.co/F7NYSCL8W6
DiNucci even threw himself under the bus for the Cowboys drafting him in the seventh round, and the staff was going to green-light him wearing No. 1. As he and the rest of the fans know, Downs is one of the most talented in the draft, and wearing No. 18 doesn't fit his persona.
As of now, Cowboys CB Cobie Durant will wear the No. 2, and fans are already demanding that Downs pay to trade numbers or do something else. DiNucci wore No. 7 for the Cowboys, still much more respectable than No. 18 for Downs.
Here's reaction from Jon Machota of The Athletic:
I doubt Caleb Downs will be wearing No. 18 this season. He wore No. 2 in college. Cowboys CB Cobie Durant has that number right now.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 1, 2026
Downs when asked if he’ll be wearing No. 18 this year: “We’re going to see what happens. That’s the only thing I’m going to say about that.” pic.twitter.com/JGJ4Q6QCR4
Even Downs himself is unsure about the look, but the fact that he's signaling a number change may happen is a great sign here.
It's more of a funny storyline here than a dramatic one, but fans can't help but point out how out of sorts it looks for Downs. Like when Chris Godwin gave up his No. 12 for Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Different circumstances, obviously, but Downs made legendary plays at Ohio State wearing the No. 2. That's how fans remember him.
OK, it doesn't have to be No. 2, but something that fits better. The No. 18 look drew immediate backlash from Cowboys fans, and they are demanding that Downs fix it before Week 1.
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