The Dallas Cowboys selected safety Caleb Downs with the 11th pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Josh Downs is looking forward to the opportunity to compete against his younger brother.
This upcoming season, the Colts and Cowboys are scheduled to play one another. And it may not only be the Downs brothers’ two teams that are going head-to-head that week, but Josh and Caleb could be as well.
Prior to the draft, Caleb told Josh that if he ended up in Dallas, he was expecting to line up in the nickel, which is right across from Josh, the Colts’ slot receiver.
“I feel like this matchup will be even better,” Josh said, “because I remember before he got drafted, not to talk about the Cowboys’ scheme or anything, but he told me if he goes to the Cowboys, he’s playing nickel. So that’s like head-to-head all game. So I was like that’s interesting. So when he got drafted, I was like we play ya’ll this year, and he got all hype, and I’m like, it’s all fun and games, but I still gotta let him know he’s the little brother in this situation.”
Colts WR Josh Downs on facing his brother, Cowboys rookie Caleb Downs, this season:
“He told me if he goes to the Cowboys, he’s playing nickel. So that’s like head-to-head all game… I gotta let him know he’s the little brother in this situation.”
(🎥 @Colts) pic.twitter.com/epAZJ5rCav
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 6, 2026
Caleb was the clear No. 1 safety prospect in this year’s draft, while Josh has established himself as one of the more productive slot wideouts in the NFL over the last three seasons.
Although looking forward to their matchup against each other this season, Josh was also thrilled to see Caleb get drafted.
“I was super proud of him. All those emotions of being a big brother come to the forefront,” Josh said. “I was the first person he hugged. It’s just a different feeling when your little brother does it. It was just surreal in that moment. I feel like his successes are kind of like my successes.”
#Colts WR Josh Downs on the tears he shed after his younger brother, Caleb, was drafted by the #Cowboys:
“I was the first person he hugged. It’s just a different feeling when your little brother does it. … I feel like his successes are kind of like my successes.” pic.twitter.com/zk20Z6plvo
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 6, 2026
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Josh Downs thrilled for brother Caleb, now ready to compete against him
