CJ Allen explains why No. 53 was the perfect fit with Colts

CJ Allen explains why No. 53 was the perfect fit with Colts originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CJ Allen did not expect to wear No. 53 when he arrived at rookie minicamp with the Indianapolis Colts, but the number quickly began to feel meaningful for the former Georgia linebacker.

Allen wore No. 3 throughout his college career at University of Georgia, where he developed into one of the nation’s top defensive players. However, that jersey number was already occupied in Indianapolis by Colts kicker Spencer Shrader, leaving Allen in search of a new identity at the professional level.

When the Colts assigned him No. 53, Allen initially viewed it as just another linebacker number. But after thinking about it, the significance became impossible to ignore.

“It all started making sense — 53rd pick,” Allen said. “It’s a great linebacker number, especially here.”

The connection goes beyond his draft slot. Indianapolis selected Allen with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft after trading down from No. 47. The number also carries history within the Colts organization because former All-Pro linebacker famously wore No. 53 during one of the most dominant stretches by a defensive player in franchise history.