The NFL is about to get a serious dose of family rivalry, and we're here for every second of it. When the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys square off this season, it won't just be two teams battling for supremacy—it'll be a full-on brotherly showdown.
Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is already sharpening his cleats for a matchup against his younger brother, Caleb Downs, whom the Cowboys selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And here's where it gets really interesting: before draft day, Caleb dropped a hint that if he landed in Dallas, he'd be lining up at nickel corner. That's the exact spot across from Josh, who has made a name for himself as one of the league's most reliable slot receivers over the past three seasons.
"I feel like this matchup will be even better," Josh said with a grin. "He told me if he goes to the Cowboys, he's playing nickel. So that's like head-to-head all game." The thought of going toe-to-toe with his little brother for four quarters clearly brings a competitive spark to Josh's eyes. "When he got drafted, I was like, 'We play y'all this year,' and he got all hype. I'm like, it's all fun and games, but I still gotta let him know he's the little brother in this situation."
While Caleb entered the draft as the top safety prospect, Josh has quietly built a reputation as a productive and reliable target in the slot, proving that the Downs family is stacked with NFL talent. But beyond the trash talk and the on-field battle, there's genuine pride. When Caleb's name was called on draft night, Josh was right there for the first hug. "All those emotions of being a big brother come to the forefront," he shared. "It's just a different feeling when your little brother does it. It was surreal."
This isn't just another game on the schedule—it's a family affair with bragging rights on the line. Whether you're rocking Colts blue or Cowboys silver, you'll want to mark your calendars for this one. After all, sibling rivalries make the best stories, and this season, the Downs brothers are ready to write their own chapter.
