The Indianapolis Colts have officially signed veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, but fans will notice a significant change in his jersey number. Instead of wearing his customary No. 13, which he has donned throughout his professional career, Allen will be sporting No. 10. This shift comes as Laquon Treadwell, the current holder of No. 13, has decided to keep the number for himself.
Initially, there was an expectation that Allen would acquire his iconic number upon joining the Colts. However, Treadwell recently confirmed to the media that he intends to retain No. 13. In a conversation with Allen, Treadwell expressed his respect for the veteran's accomplishments while wearing the number. "I told him, ‘I respect the game. I know what you did in the number,’" Treadwell shared, as reported by James Boyd of The Athletic. He added that he and his family had given the situation considerable thought and prayer, leading to his decision to keep the number.
This will mark the first time in Allen's career that he will wear a different number, a notable change considering he has spent 12 of his 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he consistently wore No. 13. Even during a brief stint with the Chicago Bears, he maintained the same number. The decision by Treadwell to hold onto No. 13 raises eyebrows, especially given Allen’s established reputation in the league.
Treadwell's attachment to the number is somewhat surprising, considering his history of wearing various jersey numbers throughout his career. The former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings has played for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, and Baltimore Ravens. Given his track record, there are questions about his long-term spot on the Colts roster, making his decision to keep No. 13 even more curious.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Treadwell's future with the team, the Colts are facing their own challenges at the wide receiver position. Allen is expected to play a crucial role in the offense, particularly as he becomes one of the primary targets for quarterback Daniel Jones in the upcoming 2026 season. While Alec Pierce is anticipated to be the top target, the No. 2 spot is still up for grabs, with Allen and rookie Josh Downs competing for that position.
As the Colts look to solidify their receiving corps, Allen's experience and skill set will be invaluable. His transition to No. 10 will not only signify a new chapter in his career but also highlight the Colts' efforts to enhance their offensive capabilities. With the season approaching, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Allen adapts to this change and contributes to the team's success.
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