Former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders had a philosophy that many professional athletes agree with; the better you look, the better you’ll feel, and the better you feel, the better you’ll play. It’s all in the fit.
Fans tend to agree, often having strong opinions on the jersey number a player chooses. When it comes to the Cowboys’ first-round pick Caleb Downs and his choice to wear No. 13, not many believe it’s a number that fits the rookie sensation. Count Downs’ mom, Tanya Shorter Downs, in the category of hoping her son will eventually change his number.
It’s hard not to agree with Downs’ mom; 13 doesn’t feel like it fits her son, but her logic is flawed. There have been a bevy of great NFL players who have worn the number, although most of them reside on offense since the league’s policy on numbers changed only recently.
There are eight Hall of Fame players who have worn 13, including quarterbacks Dan Marino and Kurt Warner, as well as wide receiver Don Maynard.
More recent star players who have worn the number are all WRs, Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Evans and Keenan Allen are the most recognizable names. Ironically enough, with Beckham recently signing back with the New York Giants, all those receivers are still active, and Downs could be tasked to defend them in the same number.
Downs’ mom could also choose to see it another way, her son could be the best defensive player ever to don jersey No. 13.
The number was chosen because what Downs wore in college, jersey No. 2, is currently taken by cornerback Cobie Durant. Thus far, there hasn’t been anything worked out for Downs to pry the number away from the veteran. Durant is only signed for one season, so Downs will have to wait until next year if he covets No. 2.
What number Downs wears isn’t really an issue, it’s just something to have fun talking about.
How he plays will matter much more to Cowboys fans. If Downs dominates, becoming one of the best young defenders in the league, no one will say a word and there will be thousands of No. 13 jerseys in the stands.
However, if Mrs. Downs has her way, her son will be changing his number. And as many fans are aware, what mom wants, mom normally gets.
To be safe, Cowboys fans shouldn’t go buying any No. 13 Downs jerseys just yet, they might be wasting their money.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: My Momma Says!: Cowboys 1st-round pick implored to make change ASAP
Reporting by Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
