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Josh Downs
Josh Downs
from Wikipedia

Joshua Downs (born August 12, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels and was selected by the Colts in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Key Information

Early life

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Downs was born on August 12, 2001, in Suwanee, Georgia, and attended North Gwinnett High School.[1] During his high school career he had 187 receptions for 3,019 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was selected to play in the 2020 All-American Bowl. He committed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to play college football.[2]

College career

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Freshman

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As a true freshman at North Carolina in 2020, Downs appeared in 10 games. Playing primarily on special teams, he had seven receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns. The first touchdown reception of his college career came against N.C. State in Carolina's 48–21 victory. His breakout performance came in the Orange Bowl, where he filled in for Dyami Brown, who, along with Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, and Chazz Surratt, had opted out of the bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft. Downs caught four passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard touchdown on a broken play that gave the Tar Heels a 27–20 lead early in the fourth quarter. He was the team's leading receiver in the 41–27 loss to Texas A&M.[3]

Sophomore

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Heading into the 2021 season, Downs was projected to be the team's number one receiver.[4][5] In the season-opening loss against Virginia Tech, Downs caught eight passes for 123 yards and a touchdown as the Tar Heels failed to mount a successful second half comeback.[6] Two weeks later against Virginia, he caught eight passes for 203 receiving yards and two touchdowns, setting a career high in the process.[7] Downs' 203 receiving yards against the Cavaliers were the eighth most in a single game in Tar Heel history.[8] Against Wake Forest, he only caught four passes for 35 yards, both season lows. However, his 35 receiving yards against the Demon Deacons made him just the seventh player in school history to gain 1,000 or more receiving yards in a single season.[9] With eight receptions against Wofford, Downs moved into second place behind Ryan Switzer for most receptions in a single season as a Tar Heel with 90.

In the regular season finale, a 34–30 loss against NC State, Downs broke both Switzer's single season receptions record and Hakeem Nicks' single season receiving yards record. He recorded three more catches in the Duke's Mayo Bowl loss to South Carolina, finishing his record-breaking 2021 season with 101 catches for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns.[10]

Junior

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Solidified as the Tar Heels' top receiver after his record-setting sophomore season, Downs was once again a featured piece in the Tar Heel offense. He was named to the preseason All-ACC team at the wide receiver and specialist (punt returner) positions, and was selected to the preseason AP All-American second-team at the wide receiver position.

In the season opener against FAMU, Downs recorded nine catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns.[11] On his final catch of the game, Downs was injured and missed the next two games against Appalachian State and Georgia State. He returned against Notre Dame, and caught five passes for 32 yards and two touchdowns in the Tar Heels' 45–32 loss.[12] Against Miami, Downs caught another touchdown pass, moving him into a tie for tenth place all time in Carolina history with 16 receiving touchdowns. He continued to post solid statistics the rest of the regular season, recording four games with 11-plus receptions, and recording another 1,000 yard receiving season. Against Wake Forest, he caught three touchdown passes, moving him to second all-time behind Quinshad Davis for UNC career touchdown receptions with 22. In what was his final game as a Tar Heel, the 2022 ACC Championship Game against Clemson, Downs caught 11 passes for 100 yards in the 39–10 loss to the Tigers.[13]

Downs finished his Carolina career with 2,483 receiving yards (the fourth most in school history), 202 career receptions (third most at UNC), and multiple school records at the wide receiver position. He declared for the NFL draft following conference championship week, opting out of the Holiday Bowl in the process.[14]

College statistics

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North Carolina Tar Heels
Year G Rec Yards Avg TDs
2020 10 7 119 17.0 3
2021 13 101 1,335 13.2 8
2022 11 94 1,029 10.9 11
Career 34 202 2,483 12.3 22

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
5 ft 8+34 in
(1.75 m)
171 lb
(78 kg)
30+38 in
(0.77 m)
9+14 in
(0.23 m)
4.48 s 1.49 s 2.53 s 4.15 s 6.75 s 38.5 in
(0.98 m)
10 ft 11 in
(3.33 m)
Sources:[15][16]

Downs was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round, 79th overall, of the 2023 NFL draft. The Colts previously obtained the 79th overall pick in a trade that sent Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders.[17] In Week 6, against the Jaguars, he scored his first professional touchdown on a two-yard reception from Gardner Minshew.[18] In Week 7, against the Browns, he had five receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown in the 39–38 loss.[19] He finished his rookie season second on the team in receiving and seventh among all rookies with 68 catches for 771 yards and two touchdowns.[20][21]

In Week 8 of the 2024 season, Downs had four receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans.[22] In the 2024 season, Downs had 72 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns.[23]

NFL career statistics

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Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2023 IND 17 9 68 771 11.3 59 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2024 IND 14 8 72 803 11.2 69 5 1 12 12.0 13 0 0 0
Career 31 17 140 1,574 11.2 69 7 1 12 12.0 13 0 0 0

Personal life

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Downs' father, Gary, played college football for NC State and is now an assistant coach.[24] His uncle, Dré Bly, also played with the Tar Heels and 11 years in the NFL.[25] His younger brother, Caleb, is a safety who played his freshman season at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State.[26]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Josh Downs (born August 12, 2001) is an for the of the (). Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 171 pounds, Downs is known for his slot receiver role, leveraging quickness and route-running precision despite his smaller stature. He played college football for the from 2020 to 2022, where he amassed 202 receptions for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns over 34 games (23 starts), ranking third in school history in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and second in touchdown catches. The Colts selected him in the third round (79th overall) of the , where he has since emerged as a key offensive contributor. Born in , Downs grew up in a football family as the son of former fullback and nephew of Pro Bowl cornerback Dre Bly. At , he excelled as a three-sport in football, basketball, and track, earning all-region honors in football as a senior with 83 receptions for 1,290 yards and 14 touchdowns. Choosing over other programs, Downs redshirted in 2019 before breaking out as a true freshman in 2020, recording seven receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns primarily on special teams. In his year of , Downs started all 13 games, leading the team with 101 receptions for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns, helping to an 11-2 record and a Top-10 national ranking. As a junior in 2022, he recorded 94 catches for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns despite the team's 9-5 finish, earning second-team All-ACC honors. Downs made an immediate impact as a with the Colts in 2023, leading the team with 68 receptions for 771 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games (nine starts), setting a franchise rookie record for catches by a slot receiver. In 2024, he recorded 72 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns across 14 games (eight starts), solidifying his role in Indianapolis's offense. As of November 18, 2025, through the first nine games of the 2025 season, Downs has recorded 36 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns, continuing to demonstrate reliability in the slot amid the Colts' 8-2 start.

Early life and high school

Family and upbringing

Josh Downs was born on August 12, 2001, in Suwanee, Georgia. He grew up in the same suburb of Atlanta, immersed in a household with deep athletic roots that emphasized discipline and competition from an early age. As the middle child of three siblings, Downs was raised by parents Gary and Tanya Downs. His father, Gary Downs, is a former NFL fullback who played for the New York Giants in 1994, the Atlanta Falcons from 1995 to 1999, and the Denver Broncos in 2000. Tanya Downs, a graduate of North Carolina State University, provided steady support alongside Gary's coaching influence. Downs' siblings include an older sister, Kameron, and a younger brother, Caleb Downs, who plays as a safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes as of the 2025 season. The family's strong ties to football shaped Downs' early years, with his father's professional experience fostering frequent discussions about the game and regular viewings of matches. Gary often served as Downs' first coach, starting informal sessions in their home basement when Downs was just six years old, which ignited his passion for the sport. This environment, combined with the family's connections through Tanya's , created a foundation of athletic encouragement without formal pressure.

High school career

Josh Downs attended in . Over his four-year varsity career, he amassed 187 receptions for 3,019 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. As a senior in 2019, Downs recorded 83 receptions for 1,290 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading to a 12-2 record and the Georgia Class 7A state semifinals. He earned first-team all-state honors that year. Downs also excelled in basketball, averaging 15 points per game as a senior, and track & field, where he won the Georgia state championship in the 200-meter dash as a sophomore. Rated a four-star prospect by , Downs ranked as the No. 94 overall player nationally, the No. 17 in his class, and the No. 13 recruit in Georgia. He committed to the on February 13, 2019, selecting the Tar Heels over numerous other scholarship offers, including those from Georgia and LSU.

College career

2020 season

As a true freshman in the 2020 season, which was shortened and disrupted by the , Josh Downs appeared in all 10 games for the , primarily contributing on special teams and as a slot receiver under head coach . He adjusted to the college level with limited offensive snaps, focusing on learning the playbook and earning rotational opportunities behind established wideouts. Downs recorded 7 receptions for 119 yards and 3 , averaging 17.0 yards per catch, with his production concentrated in key moments. His first career came on a 17-yard reception against NC State on October 24. Downs capped the season with his most notable performance in the against Texas A&M, hauling in 4 catches for 91 yards and 2 , including a 75-yard score that highlighted his speed and playmaking potential despite the Tar Heels' 41-27 loss.

2021 season

In his sophomore season, Josh Downs established himself as a key component of the ' offense, starting 12 of 13 games and primarily operating out of the slot receiver position. Building on a limited role during his 2020 freshman year, Downs became a reliable target for , contributing significantly to the team's passing attack. Downs shattered the UNC single-season receptions record with 101 catches for 1,335 yards and 8 touchdowns, leading the ACC in receptions while ranking second in the conference in receiving yards. His prolific output highlighted his route-running precision and ability to create separation in short-to-intermediate areas, accounting for a substantial portion of the Tar Heels' passing production. For his efforts, Downs earned first-team All-ACC honors and was named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing the nation's top receiver. A highlight of the season came on September 18 against , where he hauled in 8 receptions for 203 yards and a touchdown, powering a 59-39 win. The Tar Heels concluded the year with a 6-7 overall record and a 3-5 mark in ACC play.

2022 season

In 2022, Josh Downs served as the primary for the during his junior season, starting 11 of the team's 12 regular-season games despite dealing with minor injuries early in the year. He suffered a knee sprain in the season opener against Florida A&M on August 27, which limited his participation in that game and caused him to miss the subsequent game against Georgia State before returning against Notre Dame on September 24, where he recorded five receptions for 32 yards and two touchdowns, helping to anchor the Tar Heels' passing attack led by quarterback . Despite the injury setbacks, Downs delivered a prolific performance, finishing the season with 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and 11 across 11 games played. His reception total led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), marking the second straight year he paced the league in that category, while his touchdown haul tied for the ACC lead. Key highlights included a career-high 15 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown in a 31-28 win over on November 5, as well as 11 catches for 154 yards and three touchdowns—another personal best—in a 36-34 victory against Wake Forest on November 12. These efforts underscored his reliability as a slot receiver, drawing frequent targets in North Carolina's high-octane offense that averaged over 40 points per game during an 8-1 stretch mid-season. Downs earned first-team All-ACC honors for the second consecutive season, recognizing his impact despite the Tar Heels' 9-3 regular-season finish and appearance in the Holiday Bowl. Following the campaign, he opted out of the Holiday Bowl against Oregon and declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on December 9, forgoing his senior year of eligibility to pursue a professional career.

College statistics

During his three seasons at the , Josh Downs appeared in 34 games, making 23 starts as a . The following table summarizes his year-by-year receiving statistics:
YearGamesStartsReceptionsYardsAverageTouchdowns
2020100711917.03
202113121011,33513.28
20221111941,02910.911
Career34232022,48312.322
Over his career, Downs recorded 202 receptions for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns, ranking fourth in UNC history in receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns.

Professional career

Pre-draft process

Following his standout college career at , where he amassed 202 receptions for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns over three seasons, Josh Downs entered the as a mid-round prospect, projected for Day 2 selection due to concerns over his 5-foot-9 frame despite his exceptional production as a slot receiver. Scouting reports highlighted his quickness and route-running savvy as assets that could mitigate size limitations, positioning him as a potential third-round pick with comparisons to smaller, productive slots like . Downs participated in the in , where he measured 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds, then ran a 4.48-second , showcasing adequate straight-line speed for his size. His performance, including a 38.5-inch , reinforced projections of him as a strong slot option capable of separating in short areas, though some evaluators noted it fell short of pre-combine expectations for sub-4.4 speed. At North Carolina's Pro Day on March 27, 2023, Downs opted not to re-run the or jumping drills, instead focusing on position-specific workouts that emphasized his precise route running and yards-after-catch (YAC) ability through shuttle and three-cone drills. Scouts, including those from the , praised the session as one of the cleanest they had observed, highlighting his effortless agility and body control in demonstrating short-area quickness and elusiveness. The selected Downs in the third round of the with the 79th overall pick, valuing his slot versatility and production to bolster their receiving corps. This selection aligned with pre-draft evaluations that saw him as a high-upside mid-round talent, particularly for teams seeking a reliable underneath threat.

2023 season

Downs entered the NFL as a third-round selection (79th overall) by the in the . As a rookie, he quickly established himself as the team's primary slot receiver and punt returner, appearing in all 17 games with nine starts. His role involved lining up predominantly in the slot, where he provided reliable targets for quarterbacks and Anthony Richardson, contributing to the Colts' balanced passing attack amid a competitive schedule. In his debut season, Downs recorded 68 receptions for 771 yards and two , averaging 11.3 yards per catch with a longest reception of 59 yards. He also handled punt return duties, logging six returns for 63 yards. Early in the year, Downs showed promise with consistent production, including a standout performance of five catches for 125 yards and a in Week 7 against the , helping the Colts secure a 39-38 victory. Downs' 68 receptions set the ' franchise record for most catches by a , surpassing previous marks held by Hall of Famer (64 in 1996) and Bill Brooks (65 in 1984). His contributions were integral to the ' 9-8 regular-season record, which included a playoff-clinching win in the finale despite finishing second in the .

2024 season

In his second season, Josh Downs appeared in 14 games for the , starting eight, after missing three contests due to a sustained in Week 8 that limited him in Weeks 9 and 10 before sidelining him for the final three games. He recorded 72 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns, marking improvements in production from his rookie year with more touchdowns and comparable yardage despite fewer games played. Downs emerged as a key slot receiver in the Colts' offense, ranking fourth among slot receivers in receptions and fifth in receiving yards according to , while his role expanded with increased snap counts averaging over 60% of offensive plays when healthy. A standout performance came in Week 8 against the Houston Texans, where he achieved his first career 100-yard receiving game with 109 yards on four catches, including a 69-yard that highlighted his speed and route-running precision. This breakout underscored his growing reliability as a target for Anthony Richardson, contributing to the team's emphasis on developing its young signal-caller amid an offensive scheme rebuild under Shane Steichen. The Colts finished the 2024 season with an 8-9 record, placing second in the but missing the , as their offense focused on integrating Richardson's dual-threat abilities while relying on emerging pass-catchers like Downs to stretch defenses and create mismatches. Downs' five touchdowns, including multiple red-zone scores, provided crucial scoring punch during a campaign marked by inconsistencies and injuries across the receiving corps.

2025 season

In the 2025 NFL season, Josh Downs maintained his role as the ' primary slot receiver and punt returner, participating in all 10 games through Week 10 as of November 18, 2025. He has handled seven punt returns for 68 yards, including 11- and 12-yard gains in Week 9 despite muffing another that led to a Steelers . Through these contests, Downs amassed 36 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 8.8 yards per catch—a dip from his 2024 target share but reflective of a more distributed passing attack. His touchdowns came in Week 6 against the Cardinals (a 5-yard score), Week 8 versus the Titans (10 yards), and Week 9 at the Steelers (4 yards on a spinning reception), marking a three-game scoring streak to close the period. In Week 10 against , he added 1 reception for 3 yards. Downs has integrated effectively into the Colts' offensive system under coordinator , contributing to third-down conversions and short-yardage plays amid quarterback Anthony Richardson's development. At this point in the season, the Colts hold an 8-2 record and first place in the , positioning them as strong playoff contenders with one of the league's top-scoring offenses at 32.1 .

Professional statistics

Receiving and scoring

Josh Downs has recorded 177 receptions for 1,893 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in his career as of Week 10 of the 2025 season. His career averages include 10.7 yards per reception and 6.4 per game across 41 . The following table summarizes his year-by-year receiving and scoring statistics:
SeasonGames PlayedReceptionsReceiving YardsYards per ReceptionTouchdowns
2023176877111.32
2024147280311.25
202510373198.63
Career411771,89310.710

Punt returning

Josh Downs has served as the designated punt returner for the since his rookie season in 2023, contributing on special teams in addition to his offensive role. As of Week 10 of the 2025 season, he has recorded 28 punt returns for 279 yards in his career, averaging 10.0 yards per return, with no touchdowns and one lost. His punt returning activity has varied by season, reflecting adjustments in team strategy and his integration into the lineup. In 2023, Downs handled 6 returns for 63 yards, averaging 10.5 yards per return, with a longest of 14 yards. The following year, 2024, saw increased usage with 16 returns totaling 161 yards at a 10.1 average, highlighted by a 23-yard long return. In 2025, he has managed 6 returns for 55 yards through Week 10, averaging 9.2 yards, including a 24-yard long and the season's lone .
SeasonReturnsYardsAverageLongestTDsFumbles
202366310.51400
20241616110.12300
20256559.22401
Career2827910.02401
These figures underscore Downs' value in field position battles, though his returns have remained conservative without explosive plays.

Personal life

Immediate family

Josh Downs was born to Gary Downs and Tanya Downs in Suwanee, Georgia, in 2001. His father, Gary Downs, is a former NFL running back who played from 1994 to 2000 for the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, and Baltimore Ravens after a college career at North Carolina State University, where he rushed for 1,642 yards. Gary played a pivotal role in Josh's early athletic development, introducing him to football through rigorous backyard drills and emphasizing discipline and resilience, which helped shape Josh's competitive mindset from a young age. His mother, Tanya Downs, a North Carolina State University graduate, provided unwavering emotional support throughout Josh's journey, attending his high school and college games and offering guidance during pivotal moments like his NFL Draft in 2023. Downs has two siblings: an older sister, Kameron Downs, and a younger brother, . Kameron, who pursued athletics in soccer at before entering medical school at , contributed to the family's competitive household dynamic by fostering a supportive environment that encouraged Josh's pursuits without direct involvement in football. , born in 2004, is a standout safety who began his college career at as a true freshman in 2023, earning All-American honors with 107 tackles and two interceptions before transferring to Ohio State, where as a sophomore in 2024 he again earned All-American honors with 82 tackles and two interceptions, drawing inspiration from Josh's path while engaging in sibling rivalries that honed their skills. The brothers' close bond, evident in joint training sessions and mutual encouragement, reinforced Josh's drive during his formative years. The Downs family relocated multiple times within Georgia, settling in Gwinnett County to support the children's activities, which allowed Josh to thrive in local sports programs. Throughout his high school tenure at and his college years at the , Gary and Tanya consistently attended games, providing a stable foundation that emphasized family unity and perseverance amid Josh's athletic challenges.

Extended family influences

Josh Downs' uncle, , a former who played from 1999 to 2009 for the , , and , had a profound influence on his nephew's career. , a two-time selection (2003–2004) and University of North Carolina alumnus, served as UNC's cornerbacks coach during Downs' college tenure, providing direct mentorship on technique and preparation. This guidance helped Downs excel as a receiver, with Bly's firsthand advice contributing to his standout performances, including leading the ACC in receptions during his sophomore year. Beyond Bly, Downs' extended family includes several cousins actively involved in , fostering a competitive environment that reinforced athletic dedication. At least four cousins have played at the collegiate level, with one, Cameron Bergeron, competing as a linebacker at . Family gatherings often centered on discussions of football and , emphasizing values like resilience and that shaped Downs' approach to the game. Bly's professional success exposed Downs to the realities of life from an early age, inspiring him to pursue a similar path while highlighting the discipline required. This exposure, combined with Bly's role in UNC's recruiting efforts, significantly influenced Downs' decision to commit to the Tar Heels in 2019, particularly after Bly joined the coaching staff in 2018. The family's deep connections further amplified these influences, with multiple relatives tied to the state's football heritage—Bly as a UNC legend and Downs' parents, Gary and Tanya, both graduates of . These ties created a supportive network that encouraged Downs to stay in-state for college, blending familial legacy with personal ambition.

References

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