When a young NFL prospect hears his name called in the first round of the Draft, it’s supposed to be a dream come true. For the Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland, though, that dream may come with an unexpected twist. While his stock continues to soar following the NFL Scouting Combine, the possibility of joining the Indianapolis Colts comes with a legendary shadow looming over him — the 6’6” TE could ruin the greatest Colt ever, ‘the Sherrif’ – Peyton Manning‘s legacy.

What should be an exciting transition to the professional level has suddenly turned into an odd number controversy, and Colts fans are already making their voices heard. Well, under just one season with Sherrone Moore as the HC, Jim Harbaugh’s 2023 national winner was the #18. Sensing where this is about to land, we all know who’s the Colts #18 – the legendary Peyton Manning. Colston Loveland, who arrived in Indianapolis with his arm in a sling due to offseason shoulder surgery, still managed to leave the Combine as one of its biggest winners. Analysts at both ESPN and The Athletic now project the Michigan star as a top-15 pick, with the Colts emerging as a prime destination at No. 14. The reasoning is clear.

With Mo-Alie Cox set to hit free agency, Indy is in desperate need of a tight end. ESPN’s Jordan Reid described Loveland as a “glorified big receiver who transitions in and out of breaks with ease while showing excellent hands.” If you combine that with his elite size and versatility, it’s no surprise the Colts are showing interest. However, what should have been an exciting moment for Colts fans took an unexpected turn when a Michigan fan page, Swanky Wolverine, posted a photoshopped image of Loveland in a Colts #18 jersey.

The intention was likely to hype up his draft stock, but for many Manning loyalists, it crossed an unspoken line. Manning’s #18 was retired in 2017 after his legendary 14-year run in Indianapolis, which included a Super Bowl XLI title and four MVP seasons. The mere suggestion that a rookie could don that number set off a wave of backlash from fans who view #18 as untouchable. Loveland, of course, had nothing to do with the image, but the timing of the controversy couldn’t have been worse.

The tight end is still working to solidify his draft stock after missing workouts due to his shoulder surgery. Though his doctors expect him to be cleared for non-contact drills by April minicamp and fully ready for training camp, the NFL is a league where perception matters. Another layer to Loveland’s draft outlook is the rise of fellow Big Ten tight end Tyler Warren.

The Penn State product saw his own stock soar after the Combine, with projections now placing him in the top 10, potentially heading to the New Orleans Saints at No. 9. For Loveland, this means he has to spend the next couple of months proving that he’s still the top TE in the class despite missing on-field testing. The Colts may still view him as their guy at No. 14, but if Warren goes ahead of him, it could set off a domino effect that changes Loveland’s landing spot entirely.

Even with the distractions, Colston Loveland remains one of the most polished prospects in his position. Over three years at Michigan, he recorded 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns. His combination of size, route-running, and hands makes him an ideal target. If drafted by the Colts, he wouldn’t be wearing No. 18 — that much is certain, or is it?

Michigan’s Loveland turned ‘hateland’ in an instant

The fan response to the Instagram post was immediate and strong. Some appreciated the idea of drafting Loveland, but when it came to that jersey number, the message was clear: it’s off-limits. One fan was firm but supportive, writing, “As a Colts fan I love [him], but he’s definitely not wearing 18 lol.” In a lighthearted way, reinforcing that while the Idaho native may be welcomed in Indianapolis, he will have to pick a different number.

Another commenter took the opposite approach, suggesting that Manning himself would have no problem with it, stating, “Peyton said it’s ok.” While there is no official confirmation that Manning has weighed in on the debate, his generally laid-back nature suggests he wouldn’t be losing sleep over it. That being said, the decision isn’t up to him — the Colts have retired the number, and that’s the end of the story.

Others were more direct, with repeated comments simply stating, “Not wearing 18.” The short, blunt responses made it abundantly clear that even a photoshopped image of a prospect wearing Manning’s number was enough to fire up Colts Nation. One fan added, “Get him a different number,” which, while stating the obvious, highlighted just how deeply ingrained Manning’s legacy remains in Indianapolis.