For many athletes, football is more than just a game—it’s a family legacy. These players not only reached the pinnacle of the NFL but did so alongside their siblings, sometimes even sharing the field as teammates. From brothers to coaching duos, numerous families have marked the league with their collective talent and dedication. As the NFL continues to evolve, the stories of these sibling athletes remain an inspiring testament to family bonds and competitive spirit.
Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin: Twin Trailblazers in the NFL
Twin brothers Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin experienced the rare privilege of playing together in the NFL, both initially with the Seattle Seahawks. Shaquem, famously the first one-handed player drafted into the league, joined his brother in 2018. Afterward, Shaquem played for the Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2022, while Shaquill continued his career across several teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings, eventually returning to the Seahawks.
As kids, we had dreamed of playing together in the NFL, but whenever we talked about it, our dad would remind us that if we made it to the league — especially if we got to play together — that would be an added blessing,
Shaquem reflected in his retirement post, emphasizing the special nature of their journey together. – Shaquem Griffin
The Gronkowski Brothers: Four Siblings Who Played in the NFL
Four of the Gronkowski brothers—Rob, Dan, Chris, and Glenn—made their marks in the NFL, with three playing for the New England Patriots at different times. Rob Gronkowski is most famous for his nine seasons with the Patriots and the later years alongside Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dan had stints with several teams, including the Patriots, while Chris played across the Cowboys and Colts, and Glenn briefly overlapped with Rob on the Patriots. Their youngest brother, Gordie, pursued a career outside of football.
Travis and Jason Kelce: Brothers Collide in Super Bowl History
In 2023, Travis and Jason Kelce became the first brothers to compete against each other in a Super Bowl, with Travis’s Kansas City Chiefs defeating Jason’s Philadelphia Eagles. Raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the two played together at the University of Cincinnati. Travis honors Jason through his number 87 jersey, symbolizing Jason’s birth year. Jason retired in March 2024 but remains active alongside Travis through their New Heights podcast, with Travis contemplating retirement.
You’re the only reason why I wear 87 anyways,
Travis shared to Jason during a post-game moment.
I never told you that, man. You started the legacy.
– Travis and Jason Kelce
Sterling and Shannon Sharpe: Hall of Fame Brothers with Lasting Impact
The Sharpe brothers’ NFL careers overlapped during the early 1990s, and their competitive spirit was reignited when Sterling was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025, following Shannon’s induction years earlier. Sterling’s career with the Green Bay Packers was cut short at age 29 due to injury, while Shannon had a celebrated tenure with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. Shannon credits Sterling as his inspiration to play football.
I would trade my career, every dime that I’ve ever earned, to switch places with my brother. ‘Cause he deserved to be where I am in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,
Shannon admitted, adding,
It broke my heart when he told me he was never going to be able to play the game again.
Football was my worst sport in high school,
he continued.
And the only reason I played [is] because he played and I wanted to be like him.
– Shannon Sharpe
The Watt Brothers: J.J., T.J., and Derek’s NFL Legacy
The Watt family has contributed significantly to the NFL, with J.J., T.J., and Derek all enjoying remarkable careers. J.J. Watt retired in 2022 after 12 seasons and the birth of his first child, while Derek retired in 2024 after overlapping with T.J. on the Pittsburgh Steelers. T.J. currently plays for the Steelers. Their presence over the last decade has been a dominant force in the league’s defensive ranks.
Peyton and Eli Manning: One of Football’s Most Renowned Sibling Duos
Peyton and Eli Manning, sons of former NFL player Archie Manning, have established legendary careers as quarterbacks. Peyton spent 18 seasons playing primarily for the Indianapolis Colts before retiring in 2018, whereas Eli played 16 seasons exclusively with the New York Giants, retiring in 2020. Both now share their expertise with fans via ManningCast, providing commentary on Monday Night Football.
Bo Nix and Tez Johnson: A Football Family Embracing Brotherly Bonds
Bo Nix, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, comes from a family deeply rooted in football. His father Patrick played collegiate quarterback and coached Bo and his brother Caleb during high school. Their close family friend and high school teammate, Tez Johnson, who was embraced as part of the Nix family, also pursued college football. Bo was drafted by the Broncos in 2024, with Tez entering the Buccaneers in 2025.
What motivates me most is family. And when I say family, it’s biological and adopted,
Tez expressed in 2025. – Tez Johnson
Devin and Jason McCourty: Twin NFL Careers with Distinct Paths
The McCourty twins both graduated from Rutgers, with Devin drafted in 2010 by the New England Patriots, playing 13 seasons before retiring in 2023. Jason, drafted a year earlier, played eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans and then joined his brother in New England before finishing his career with the Miami Dolphins in 2022.
Ryan and Matt Kalil: Brothers Sharing Time with the Carolina Panthers
Both Ryan and Matt Kalil took the field as offensive linemen for the Carolina Panthers. Ryan had a 12-season stint before briefly retired and then returning to play a final season with the New York Jets in 2019. Matt finished his career with the Panthers after five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, retiring following injury setbacks.
Michael and Martellus Bennett: Active Voices On and Off the Field
Martellus Bennett retired in 2018 after ten NFL seasons, while his older brother Michael concluded his 11-season career in 2020. Both played for multiple teams and were noted for their outspoken views during their playing days. Martellus notably declined a White House visit following a Patriots Super Bowl win. Michael plans to focus on podcasting post-retirement and was recognized as
one of the most prominent and vocal anti-racists in the N.F.L.
by The New Yorker at the time. – Michael Bennett
Nick and Joey Bosa: Defensive Standouts from Ohio State
The Bosa brothers both shone in college for Ohio State University before becoming top draft picks. Joey spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2025. Nick has been a consistent defensive force for the San Francisco 49ers since being drafted in 2019. Their father, John Bosa, also played professionally, drafted in 1987.
Mychal and Eric Kendricks: Brothers in Linebacker Roles
Eric Kendricks plays for the San Francisco 49ers after time with the Vikings, Chargers, and Cowboys, while his older brother Mychal started with the Philadelphia Eagles, later joining the Seahawks and Washington Commanders. Although Mychal was briefly signed to the 49ers, he was released in 2021 following a legal issue related to insider trading.
Chris and Kyle Long: Sons of Hall of Famer Howie Long
Both Long brothers had experienced NFL careers, with Chris retiring in 2019 after eleven seasons, having won consecutive Super Bowls with the Philadelphia Eagles. Kyle retired in 2019 after seven seasons with the Chicago Bears but briefly returned in 2021 with the Kansas City Chiefs. Their father, Howie Long, a Hall of Famer, spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Raiders.
Dalvin and James Cook: Running Back Brothers on Separate Journeys
Dalvin Cook, drafted in 2017, and his younger brother James, who started his NFL tenure in 2022, both run backfields but for different teams. Dalvin has played multiple seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Dallas Cowboys. Dalvin faced legal allegations in 2021, which were settled out of court in 2024.
Romeo and Julian Okwara: Nigerian-Born Brothers on the Detroit Lions
Brothers Romeo and Julian Okwara played together on the Detroit Lions from 2020 to 2023. Originally from Nigeria, they moved to the U.S. in 2005, playing football at Ardrey Kell High School and the University of Notre Dame. Romeo began his career as an undrafted free agent in 2016, currently playing for the Cleveland Browns, while Julian was a 2020 third-round pick by the Lions. Romeo retired in 2024.
Jaylen and Sammy Watkins: A Late NFL Partnership
Jaylen Watkins joined the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad in 2015, allowing the brothers to finally play on the same team after years apart. Sammy Watkins began his career with the Bills before playing for the Rams, Chiefs, Ravens, and Packers. Jaylen, after a brief period with the Bills, spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and later the Chargers.
It’s crazy lining up across from him [in practice],
Jaylen remarked in 2015.
In our 15 years of playing football, we never got to play with each other. Then at our last stop of football, which is the NFL, we get to play together. That’s a blessing.
– Jaylen Watkins
Trevon and Stefon Diggs: Brothers Making Their Mark Across Teams
Stefon Diggs entered the NFL in 2015, playing for the Vikings, Bills, Texans, and now the New England Patriots as of 2025. Trevon was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 and has since joined the Green Bay Packers. Both brothers continue to impact games on offense and defense.
I think it’s cool as hell,
Stefon said about playing alongside Trevon.
It’s a small group of guys with siblings. It’s probably not as cool for me as it is for my mom. She’s got a special womb or something, she’s pushing out the athletes.
– Stefon Diggs
Clay and Casey Matthews: A Defensive Legacy
Clay Matthews, widely regarded as one of the game’s best pass rushers, played eleven NFL seasons before retiring in 2022 after last playing for the Los Angeles Rams. His brother Casey had a shorter NFL stint with the Philadelphia Eagles and was signed by the Minnesota Vikings but spent time on injured reserve.
Brent and Garrett Celek: Brothers with Long Tenures in the NFL
Brent Celek spent his entire eleven-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles, retiring in 2018. His younger brother Garrett also had a steady NFL career, spending eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before retiring in 2020.
Vernon and Vontae Davis: Brothers with Unconventional NFL Exits
Vontae Davis shocked the NFL by retiring abruptly during halftime in 2018 while playing for the Buffalo Bills. He played for the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts earlier in his career. Vernon Davis announced his retirement in 2020 through a humorous skit before the Super Bowl. Vernon played for the 49ers, Broncos, and Washington Commanders. Sadly, Vontae passed away in 2024 at age 35, with the cause of death undetermined.
Matt and Tim Hasselbeck: From Quarterbacks to Analysts
Both Hasselbeck brothers enjoyed NFL careers before transitioning to football analysis at ESPN. Tim played six seasons, including serving as Eli Manning’s backup for the New York Giants, while Matt had an 18-season career before retiring in 2016.
Nick and Zack Martin: Solidifying the Offensive Line
Zack Martin spent his entire career from 2014 to 2025 with the Dallas Cowboys. Nick Martin’s career took him across several teams after starting with the Houston Texans, including the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders.
Luke and Josh McCown: Brothers with Lengthy Playing Careers
Josh McCown, who began his NFL journey in 2002, played for multiple franchises and now coaches quarterbacks with the Minnesota Vikings. His younger brother Luke retired in 2018 after playing for several teams, including the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints.
Carson and Jordan Palmer: Quarterback Brothers
Carson Palmer had a 15-season NFL career with the Bengals, Raiders, and Cardinals, retiring in 2018. His brother Jordan has built a strong reputation as a quarterback coach, mentoring prominent NFL quarterbacks and serving as Carson’s backup on the Bengals for three seasons.
Mike and Maurkice Pouncey: Twins Retiring Together
In 2021, the Pouncey twin brothers chose to retire simultaneously, marking a rare moment in NFL history. Maurkice spent his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Mike was drafted by the Miami Dolphins and ended his career with the Los Angeles Chargers.
As I write this farewell speech I cry and laugh that twin boys from Lakeland, FL, that grew up in poverty made it this far in life both living out NFL dreams…,
Maurkice wrote in his official retirement announcement. – Maurkice Pouncey
Marcus, Isaiah, and Desmond Trufant: Three Brothers in the League
The Trufant brothers collectively left their mark on the NFL, with Marcus debuting in 2003 and retiring in 2014. Isaiah played briefly with the New York Jets and later the Cleveland Browns, while Desmond joined teams including the Falcons, Lions, Bears, and Raiders.
Terron and T.J. Ward: Defensive Siblings
T.J. Ward played his final NFL game in 2017 but officially retired four years later. His younger brother, Terron, played three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before moving on.
Tremaine, Trey, and Terrell Edmunds: Three Brothers Building Careers
Terrell Edmunds began his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 and currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. Older brother Trey played briefly for the New Orleans Saints and Steelers before his release in 2022. Tremaine has played with the Buffalo Bills and the Chicago Bears, entering the league the same year as Terrell.
Equanimeous and Amon-Ra St. Brown: Brothers Emerging as Key Wide Receivers
Equanimeous St. Brown entered the NFL in 2018, playing for the Packers, Bears, Saints, and 49ers. His younger brother, Amon-Ra, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2021, where he continues to play.
Cameron and Connor Heyward: Siblings Competing for the Steelers
Cameron Heyward has been a mainstay on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive line since 2011. His younger brother Connor joined the team in 2022, making for a rare brotherly duo on the same NFL roster.
Carlos and Khalil Davis: Another Set of Twins in the NFL
Carlos Davis was drafted by the Steelers in 2020 and last signed with the Cincinnati Bengals before being waived in 2024. His twin brother Khalil started with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has since played for multiple teams, including the San Francisco 49ers.
Ronde and Tiki Barber: Twins Loyal to Their Franchises
Ronde Barber played his entire 16-season career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning the Super Bowl in 2003. Tiki Barber had a decade-long career with the New York Giants.
Jim and John Harbaugh: Coaching Brothers Facing Off in Super Bowl
The Harbaugh siblings famously competed as coaches in the 2013 Super Bowl, with Jim leading the San Francisco 49ers and John coaching the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting the rivalry reaching beyond the players on the field.
Rex and Rob Ryan: Brothers Impacting the Game from the Sidelines
Rex and Rob Ryan have both contributed extensively as NFL coaches. Rob served as a senior defensive assistant for the Las Vegas Raiders and is currently USC’s assistant head coach for defense/linebackers. He previously worked alongside Rex when Rex was the Buffalo Bills’ head coach.
The stories of these NFL sibling athletes extend beyond individual achievement, emphasizing the profound influence of family support and shared passion for the game. Their careers highlight the unique dynamic siblings bring to professional sports, often pushing one another toward excellence. As upcoming seasons unfold, fans can anticipate more chapters in these family legacies, whether on the field or in coaching roles, shaping the future of the league.
Steelers are releasing RB/FB Trey Edmunds today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2022
