For weeks, the rumor mill swirled and twirled, descending — perhaps strangely — on one wideout: Josh Downs.
The longtime Colts pass-catcher was made the subject of intense trade speculation as Indianapolis' struggles became all-the-more pronounced. He contributed to those whispers (or shouts) by lodging a trade request to his then-employers, telling reporters he was open to moving elsewhere to find his footing after two years of dwindling production.
On Tuesday, Downs got his wish. The North Carolina product was shipped to the Chiefs along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a fourth- and fifth-round pick.
Downs memorialized his time in Lucas Oil Stadium with a pair of tweets, one of which commemorated his four-year spell with the Colts, the other which offered a window into just how dire things have become in Nap Town. You can probably guess which post drew more eyeballs.
Here's what you need to know.
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Downs expressed contentedness with his accomplishments in Indianapolis colors, praising the franchise in a post on X.
I am beyond grateful and blessed for my time in Indy. Nothing but love For the Shoe.
— JD (@JoshDowns) November 10, 2026He couldn't help but troll his former franchise before doing so, though. Downs left social media users with a gem, posting a GIF of Vince Carter celebrating wildly as he got his jersey retired by the Raptors.
https://t.co/SWGjirDe9N
— JD (@JoshDowns) November 10, 2026The GIF, which sees Carter lift his head to the heavens in a moment of intense spirituality before letting off the sort of primal yell that was befitting of the moment, told onlookers everything they need to know about Downs' relationship with the Colts. Not only did he want out. But he wanted out desperately.
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The post proved a contentious one for Indianapolis-based social media users. On one hand, it's hard to argue that the Colts are in any position to succeed, making it understandable why one of the team's better talents would seek greener pastures.
On the other, some in the Indianapolis fanbase were left displeased with Downs' etiquette — from his trade request to the nature of his goodbye.
@JoshDowns @JoelAErickson Don’t let the door hit you in the hands on the way out big bro ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻
— Nathan Alan Barnhart (@RealNate018) November 10, 2026Ultimately, Downs' trolling proved a notable subplot to what was an interesting day of transactions in the NFL. We'll see if it follows him throughout his career — specifically when he's forced to play in Indianapolis.
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