Watch: Cowboys rookie Caleb Downs visits disabled veterans with grandfather
Before being selected with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, defensive back Caleb Downs went to Columbus, Georgia, with his grandfather to sit down with a local Disabled American Veterans chapter.
Downs’ grandfather, Gary Downs Sr., served as an Army jumpmaster for 23 years, stationed in several countries, including Germany and South Korea.
Downs shares a close-knit relationship with his grandfather and talked about how his military service helped mold him into the man he’s become.
“I have grown to the person I am today thanks to the support and strength from my grandpa — my discipline, poise and leadership are all traits he learned from the military that were instilled in me,” Caleb Downs said. “As I see my dreams of playing in the NFL come true, it was an honor to partner with USAA and the DAV to connect with veterans, and show my appreciation for our nation’s heroes so they can feel the same pride that I will when my name is called on draft night.”
Downs sat down with the veterans to hear about their journeys while talking about the similarities between the NFL and the military.
The Ohio State product thanked the veterans for their advice and talked about how much pride he takes in his grandfather’s service.
“When everybody’s like, ‘Do you have any military service in your family?’ I’m like, ‘Yes, my grandfather.’ And there’s a lot of appreciation and admiration that I have from you for that. So I thank you for that,” Downs said. “I thank you all for the wisdom that you shared, and appreciate you guys for showing up today. Thank you for your service, for what you’ve meant to this nation and everything that you’ve meant to your families as well.”
