Ohio State's Caleb Downs Credits Army Vet Grandpa Before Draft

When Ohio State safety Caleb Downs hears his name called in Thursday's NFL Draft, he'll be thinking about the man who made it all possible: his grandfather, a 23-year Army veteran who taught him everything about discipline and hard work.

Caleb is the third member of his family headed to the NFL. His father Gary played six years as a running back, and his brother Josh currently catches passes for the Indianapolis Colts. His uncle Dré Bly spent 11 years as a cornerback.

But when asked who shaped him most, Caleb pointed straight to the family patriarch. "Everything my grandfather instilled in us—consistency, discipline, hard work—that's why we're here today," he told Fox News Digital.

Gary Downs Sr. served as a jumpmaster in the U.S. Army, responsible for training paratroopers in airborne operations. He retired in 1998, but his military mindset never left him when raising his family.

"The way he led his family," Caleb explained. "He raised his son to lead my family the way he did. That's been passed down to my dad, and hopefully someday it'll be passed down to myself and my family."

Through a partnership with USAA, the NFL's official Salute to Service partner, Caleb visited a Disabled American Veterans chapter in Columbus, Georgia with his grandfather. They heard stories from veterans who served their country, an experience Caleb called "awesome."

"Being able to learn from the wisdom they have, it was awesome," he said. "My grandpa was so excited to be a part of it."

Why This Inspires

This isn't just another story about athletic talent passing through generations. It's about values that matter beyond the field: discipline, consistency, and service to something bigger than yourself.

Gary Downs Sr. didn't play professional football, but his military service created a foundation that produced two NFL players and counting. The character he built through decades in the Army became the blueprint for family success.

Now Caleb gets wisdom from both sides. His brother Josh's biggest advice? "Find your routine, find your habits. Those are the things that are going to make the biggest difference."

As draft night approaches, Caleb will carry his grandfather's military discipline and his family's competitive spirit into the next chapter of his journey.