Josh Downs: And Caleb Downs, Brother, Number, Contract, Height

Josh Downs is an American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. He has also attracted attention because he is the older brother of Caleb Downs, the highly regarded safety who entered the NFL after starring at Ohio State. The Downs family has a strong football background, with their father, Gary Downs, also having played in the NFL.

Here is a closer look at Josh Downs, including his relationship with Caleb Downs, jersey number, contract and height.

Josh Downs and Caleb Downs

Yes, Josh Downs and Caleb Downs are brothers.

Josh is the older brother, while Caleb is the younger sibling. The Indianapolis Colts’ official biography identifies Caleb as Josh’s younger brother and notes that Caleb was a five-star safety recruit who played at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State.

Caleb Downs was born on December 10, 2004, and played his college football at Alabama and Ohio State. At Ohio State, he wore No. 2 and played safety. The Buckeyes list him at 6-foot-0 and 205 pounds.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys traded up to No. 11 overall to select Caleb Downs. NFL.com described him as the younger brother of Colts receiver Josh Downs.

Their father, Gary Downs, also played in the NFL. He was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft and played for the Giants, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons.

What number is Josh Downs?

Josh Downs wears No. 2 for the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts list Downs as a wide receiver wearing jersey No. 2. NFL.com also lists him as a No. 2 wide receiver for Indianapolis.

Interestingly, his younger brother Caleb Downs also wore No. 2 at Ohio State, according to the Buckeyes’ official roster.

Josh Downs contract

Josh Downs entered the NFL after the Colts selected him in the third round with the 79th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to Spotrac, Downs signed a four-year, $5.52 million rookie contract with Indianapolis. The agreement included a $1.015 million signing bonus and $1.015 million guaranteed at signing. The reported average annual value was approximately $1.38 million.

For the 2026 season, Spotrac lists Downs with a $4.178 million cap hit and $3.924 million in cash earnings. His current rookie contract runs through the 2026 season, with free agency listed for 2027.

Josh Downs contract summary

The figures above are contract estimates and salary-cap information reported by Spotrac, rather than a new extension announced by the Colts.

Height

Josh Downs is listed at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 171 pounds.

Both the Colts and NFL.com list his height at 5-foot-9.

Despite his smaller frame, Downs has established himself as a productive NFL receiver. His quickness and ability to operate underneath have made him a useful target in the Colts’ passing game.

NFL career

The Colts selected Downs No. 79 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after his college career at North Carolina.

He immediately became part of Indianapolis’ receiving group. His 2024 campaign was particularly productive, as he recorded 72 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games.

Through the 2025 season, Downs had accumulated 198 receptions, 2,140 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns, according to the Colts’ career statistics page.

In the opening game of the 2026 regular season, Downs caught two passes for 37 yards against the Baltimore Ravens.

College career

Before entering the NFL, Downs played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

He finished his college career as one of the program’s productive receiving options and entered the 2023 NFL Draft. Indianapolis ultimately selected him with the 79th overall selection.

His NFL role has largely centered on his ability to create separation and make catches from the slot and underneath areas of the field.

Family football background

Football runs strongly through the Downs family.

Josh and Caleb’s father, Gary Downs, spent seven seasons in the NFL. Their uncle, Dre Bly, was also an NFL cornerback and a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

Caleb followed his older brother into football and became a highly decorated college safety. At Ohio State, he earned unanimous All-American honors in 2024 and 2025 and helped the Buckeyes during their 2024 national championship run.

The brothers therefore share an unusual connection: both have worn No. 2 at different stages of their football careers, while both have reached the highest level of the sport.

Quick facts

• Full name: Josh Downs
• Position: Wide receiver
• NFL team: Indianapolis Colts
• Jersey number: No. 2
• Height: 5-foot-9
• Weight: 171 pounds
• College: North Carolina
• NFL Draft: 2023
• Draft pick: 79th overall
• Brother: Caleb Downs
• Father: Gary Downs
• Current contract: Four-year rookie deal worth about $5.52 million
• Free agency: 2027, according to Spotrac

FAQs

Is Caleb Downs related to Josh Downs?

Yes. He is Josh Downs’ younger brother. Josh plays wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, while Caleb was a safety at Ohio State before entering the NFL.

Are Josh Downs and Caleb Downs brothers?

Yes. They are brothers and the sons of former NFL running back Gary Downs.

What number does Josh Downs wear?

Josh Downs wears No. 2 for the Indianapolis Colts.

How tall is Josh Downs?

Josh Downs is listed at 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds.

How much is Josh Downs’ contract?

Spotrac lists Josh Downs’ rookie contract at four years and approximately $5.52 million, with an average annual value of about $1.38 million.

When can Josh Downs become a free agent?

Spotrac lists Downs as a 2027 unrestricted free agent, following the completion of his current four-year rookie contract.

What team does Josh Downs play for?

Josh Downs plays wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.

What team drafted Josh Downs?

The Indianapolis Colts selected Josh Downs in the third round, 79th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Conclusion

Josh Downs has established himself as an NFL wide receiver with the Indianapolis Colts, while his family connection to Caleb Downs has added another interesting chapter to the Downs football story. Josh wears No. 2, stands 5-foot-9 and entered the NFL as a 2023 third-round pick. His four-year rookie contract is worth about $5.52 million, according to Spotrac.

Caleb, meanwhile, followed a different path as a safety, starring at Alabama and Ohio State before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.