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Sauce Gardner Shares First Colts Update on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 11:08 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts' trade for Sauce Gardner on Tuesday shocked the NFL world. The two-time first-team Associated Press All-Pro cornerback gave the world a glimpse of his new digs on Wednesday.

Gardner posted a photo of his locker's nameplate on his Instagram story, along with a blue heart emoji. Gardner is sticking with No. 1, meaning receiver Josh Downs is switching to No. 2, beginning this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin.

"A good little friendly transaction, man," Downs said. "New teammate, wanted to make it easy for him. We appreciate him being here. I know he's been number one and I know that number means a lot to him."

Former Colts punter Pat McAfee, a sports media tycoon who wore the digit from 2009-16, reacted to the news on X, writing, "Ladies and gentlemen.. There's a new number 1 in town. Josh Downs represented in fantastic fashion. He held it DAHNS if you will.. and now he will move to the number 2, just like his brother Caleb at Ohio State and…. @iamSauceGarnder WILL BE WEARING THE NUMBER 1 IN INDY."

According to Pro Football Reference, Gardner will be the sixth Colts player to pull No. 1 on. Receiver Parris Campbell, who had it on his chest and back from 2021-22 was another.

Indianapolis netted Gardner for the price of a pair of first-round picks and wideout Adonai Mitchell. Mitchell has 32 receptions for 464 yards during his season-plus as a pro. He played for Georgia and Texas in college.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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