How the Colts rookies picked, or didn't pick, their jersey numbers

TL;DR

Colts rookies face challenges in selecting their jersey numbers, as some numbers are already assigned. Notably, CJ Allen, the second-round draft pick, cannot wear his college number 3 due to it being taken by kicker Spencer Shrader.

Key points

Colts rookies face challenges in jersey number selection
CJ Allen was drafted in the second round
CJ Allen wore number 3 in college
Number 3 is taken by kicker Spencer Shrader

CJ AllenSpencer ShraderIndianapolis Colts

How the Colts rookies picked, or didn't pick, their jersey numbers

INDIANAPOLIS -- A rookie doesn't always get to pick his number.

Not even when he's the first player the team drafted.

CJ Allen, the Georgia middle linebacker the Colts drafted in the second round, wore No. 3 in college, but that number is already taken in Indianapolis by kicker Spencer Shrader.

When Allen arrived in Indianapolis for the team's rookie minicamp this weekend, No. 53 was waiting for him.

At first, he didn't think much of it.

But then Allen found meaning in the No. 53 he's wearing.

"It was the number that was given to me," Allen said. "It just all started making sense – 53rd pick. It’s a great linebacker number, especially here for sure.”

The No. 53 has been worn by dozens of players in Colts history, most recently Germaine Pratt, who wore it as a starter on the weak side in 2025.

For a linebacker like Allen, though, the No. 53 who stands out most recently is Shaquille Leonard, who won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and earned three first-time All-Pro nods before a spinal injury ended his career with the Colts prematurely.