Jersey Number Assignments for Rookies in the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts

May 9, 2026, 19:43
USSports

Introduction

The Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts have given jersey numbers to their 2026 and 2025 rookie draft classes as their rookie minicamps begin.

Main Body

The Denver Broncos have assigned numbers to seven draft picks for the 2026 season. These include Tyler Onyedim (98), Jonah Coleman (20), Kage Casey (78), Justin Joly (80), Miles Scott (39), Dallen Bentley (89), and Red Murdock (50). The team emphasized that these numbers are temporary and may change. Notably, Red Murdock was the final pick of the draft, which earned him the nickname 'Mr. Irrelevant.' Furthermore, some numbers connect to the team's history; for example, Casey's number 78 was once worn by Ryan Clady, and Joly's number 80 was previously used by Rod Smith. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts have finished assigning numbers to their 2025 rookie group. CJ Allen, a second-round linebacker, received number 53, which was previously worn by Shaquille Leonard. This happened because Allen's preferred college number, 3, was already taken by Spencer Shrader. Other players include A.J. Haulcy (25), Jalen Farmer (62), Bryce Boettcher (50), George Gumbs Sr. (52), Caden Curry (92), Seth McGowan (20), and Deion Burks (80). While most numbers were chosen based on what was available, Haulcy specifically chose number 25 due to his personal history.

Conclusion

Both teams have now integrated their new players into the first stage of training with official, though possibly temporary, jersey numbers.

Learning

⚑️ The 'Connector' Secret: Moving Beyond Simple Sentences

At the A2 level, students usually write like this: "Red Murdock was the last pick. He got a nickname." It is correct, but it sounds like a child speaking. To reach B2, you must glue your ideas together using Transition Words.

πŸ›  The Power Tools found in this text:

  1. The 'Addition' Glue: Furthermore

    • A2 style: "And some numbers are historical."
    • B2 style: "Furthermore, some numbers connect to the team's history."
    • Rule: Use Furthermore when you want to add a new, important point to a conversation. It is the professional version of "also."

  2. The 'Contrast' Glue: Meanwhile

    • A2 style: "The Broncos did this. The Colts did that."
    • B2 style: "Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts have finished assigning numbers..."
    • Rule: Use Meanwhile to jump from one scene to another or to show two things happening at the same time in different places.

  3. The 'Specifics' Glue: Notably

    • A2 style: "One interesting thing is Red Murdock."
    • B2 style: "Notably, Red Murdock was the final pick..."
    • Rule: Use Notably to highlight a piece of information that is surprising or particularly important. It tells the reader: "Pay attention to this part!"

πŸ’‘ Quick Logic Map for your Brain

  • To add more info β†’\rightarrow Furthermore
  • To switch locations/topics β†’\rightarrow Meanwhile
  • To point out a special detail β†’\rightarrow Notably

If you start using these three words instead of just 'and', 'but', and 'so', your English will immediately sound more sophisticated and academic.

Vocabulary Learning

draft
A list of players chosen by a team during a sports selection process.
Example:The draft gave the Broncos the chance to pick new talent.
rookie
A new player who has just started playing professionally.
Example:The rookie showed promise during his first game.
minicamps
Short training sessions held before the main season.
Example:The team held minicamps to prepare for the upcoming season.
emphasized
Stressed or highlighted as important.
Example:The coach emphasized the need for teamwork.
temporary
Lasting for a limited time; not permanent.
Example:The jersey numbers were temporary until final assignments were made.
nickname
A familiar or informal name given to someone.
Example:He earned the nickname 'Mr. Irrelevant' after being the last pick.
history
The record of past events or facts.
Example:The team’s history includes many legendary players.
previously
Before a particular time or event.
Example:The number was previously worn by a different player.
linebacker
A defensive position in American football.
Example:The linebacker was known for his strong tackles.
preferred
Liking or choosing more than others.
Example:He chose his preferred number for the new season.
college
An institution of higher education.
Example:She studied on a scholarship at the college.
taken
Already used or occupied.
Example:His college number was already taken by another player.
players
Individuals who participate in a sport.
Example:The players practiced for hours.
integrated
Combined into a whole.
Example:The team integrated new players into the roster.
training
The process of learning skills through practice.
Example:Training sessions are crucial for improvement.
official
Formally recognized or authorized.
Example:The official documents were signed.
assigned
Given or allocated.
Example:The coach assigned jersey numbers to each player.
numbers
Digits or values used to identify items.
Example:The numbers on the jerseys were printed in bold.
season
A period of time for a sports league.
Example:The season starts in September.
pick
A player chosen during a draft.
Example:He was the team's first pick.
earned
Received as a result of effort.
Example:She earned her spot on the team.
final
Last or ultimate.
Example:The final game was intense.
worn
Used as clothing or equipment.
Example:The jersey was worn during practice.
used
Employed for a purpose.
Example:The number was used by a former star.
group
A collection of people.
Example:The group of rookies joined the training camp.
second-round
Referring to the second phase of a draft.
Example:He was a second-round pick.
specific
Clearly defined or particular.
Example:He chose a specific number for personal reasons.
personal
Relating to an individual's own life.
Example:Her personal history influenced her choice.
stage
A particular phase or point in a process.
Example:The first stage of training focuses on fundamentals.