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

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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 Shaquille Leonard famously wore No. 53 during one of the most dominant stretches by a defensive player in franchise history.

Leonard earned AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and became a three-time first-team AP All-Pro while wearing the number. For Allen, stepping into that jersey creates both inspiration and expectations.

Allen ready to start own legacy with iconic No. 53 jersey​

The Colts believe Allen has the talent to continue that linebacker tradition. At 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds, Allen built an impressive résumé at Georgia, appearing in 41 career games with 30 starts from 2023-25. He totaled 205 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery during his collegiate career.

Allen’s breakout 2025 season helped solidify his NFL draft status. He recorded 88 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while earning First Team All-America and First Team All-SEC honors.

Now wearing No. 53 in Indianapolis, Allen hopes to build his own legacy while honoring the linebacker tradition tied to the number.

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