Former Vikings First Rounder Is Catching Heat Over His New Number

In a clash of tradition and personal preference, Laquon Treadwell's decision to keep No. 13 sparks debate as he secures a spot on the Colts roster with his reputation on the line.

Laquon Treadwell is back on an NFL roster, but it’s his jersey number that has stirred up the noise.

The Indianapolis Colts included the former Minnesota Vikings first-round pick on their final 53-man roster for the 2026 season, and on Wednesday Treadwell met with local media to talk about making the team. The bigger talking point came when he was asked about No. 13, the number he has worn in Indianapolis since the 2025 campaign.

That number matters because the Colts also signed veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen last month. Allen has worn No. 13 in every season since entering the league in 2013, but Treadwell has already been wearing it in Indianapolis.

Treadwell said he and Allen had spoken before the season, and that Allen wasn’t pushing the issue.

"Me and Keenan spoke probably three times already, and he was just like, he's not really worried

about [the jersey number].

And like I told him, I said, 'I respect the game. I know what you did in the number.'

Me and my family did a lot of praying about it as well. So, he was cool with me keeping the

number."

He also explained that he wasn’t eager to change because No. 13 has been working for him.

"I've been switching numbers a lot. So, last year I really grew to like 13. I was playing well in it.

My family [and I], we've just been falling in love with the number, and just seeing me out there making plays and having a great camp in it.

So, I just didn't want to stop that momentum."

That answer didn’t sit well with everyone. Some current and former NFL names jumped on X on Wednesday to let their frustration be known, including current New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan, former NFL player Leger Douzable, All City DLLS’s Clarence Hill Jr., and PPRFantasyTips.

"Naw this is whack."

"This is bs from Treadwell."

"You aren’t at Ole Miss anymore Laquon. No reason on earth for why Keenan Allen shouldn’t have the #13 on his back. 💀"

Treadwell’s NFL path explains why he’s not in a hurry to hand over anything. The Vikings took him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, but the career people expected in Minnesota never arrived. Since his final season with the Vikings in 2019, he’s bounced through the Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle Seahawks.

He has been with Indianapolis since 2024 and has settled into a role as one of the team’s top special teams players. After years of moving around and changing numbers, he’s not about to give up the one that’s felt right.

And with Allen reportedly not making a big deal out of it, Treadwell has every reason to keep No. 13 and move on.

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