The greatest siblings in NFL history

These two received a fun twist in 2021, when the Jaguars waived Quincy just before the season. The Jets reunited the brothers by claiming the older sibling to pair with their D-line anchor. The Williamses have been Jets starters together for three seasons, with Quinnen becoming one of the NFL's top defensive tackles. These two earned first-team All-Pro honors in consecutive seasons — Quinnen in 2022, Quincy in 2023 — to help the Jets form a quality defense. QB play has held the Jets back, but Quinnen's inside-rushing talents and Quincy's speed on the second level have been clear bright spots for Robert Saleh's team.

Kendall and Kyle have done the heavy lifting here; Corey,  wide receiver, enjoyed a cup of coffee with the Lions in the mid-2010s. All three Fullers emerged from Virginia Tech, with Kyle the top investment as a first-round pick in 2014. Kendall came off the board as a 2016 third-rounder. Both enjoyed long careers. A late bloomer at cornerback, Kyle fared well in his 2017 contract year and prompted the Bears to match a Packers offer sheet. He then earned All-Pro acclaim, helping a No. 1-ranked defense in a 12-4 season. Kendall was part of 2018's Alex Smith trade, sending him to Kansas City. Excelling in the slot and outside, the youngest Fuller started for a Super Bowl-winning Chiefs team before returning to Washington and keeping his prime going.

Between them, the second generation of punting Colquitts compiled 28 years' experience, two Pro Bowls and and earned two Super Bowl rings. The sons of former Steelers Super Bowl champion punter Craig Colquitt broke into the league when the Chiefs chose Dustin in the third round of the 2005 draft. One of only three punters to be taken in Round 3 this century, Dustin played with the Chiefs for 15 seasons. He and Britton faced off (sort of) 12 times from 2010-15, when the latter was Denver's punter. Britton's punting proved key in the 2015 playoffs, helping an offensively limited team to a Super Bowl title.

In college, each Ismail brother had a speed-based alias. Raghib's "Rocket" moniker stuck after his electric Notre Dame career, while Qadry (Syracuse) became "The Missile." Both debuted in 1993 and each posted two 1,000-yard seasons as NFLers. Rocket broke in on a historically fast '93 Raiders receiving corps and was a key target for the Panthers and Cowboys later in his career. Younger by a year, Qadry arrived in the NFL with less fanfare but notched a memorable peak as the top receiver on the 2000 Ravens' Super Bowl team. He closed his career as one of Peyton Manning's auxiliary targets on the '02 Colts.

Despite being ninth- and eighth-round picks, respectively, the Blackwoods combined for 23 NFL seasons and 64 interceptions. Though Lyle is six years older, he and Glenn teamed up for one of the more unique NFL sibling runs. Glenn helped bring Lyle, a Colts starter who picked off 10 passes in 1977, to Miami. They teamed up as the Dolphins' starting safeties ("The Bruise Brothers") from 1981-84. That stretch included two Super Bowls. Glenn anchored those Miami secondaries, intercepting 12 passes from 1984-85. A year after Lyle's 1986 retirement, Glenn suffered a career-ending knee injury. Glenn's 29 INTs rank fourth in Dolphins history.

Each Trufant brother played at a different Washington school: Marcus at Washington State, Isaiah at Eastern Washington and Desmond at Washington. Marcus and Desmond were first-round picks 10 years apart. The Seahawks drafted Marcus in 2003; the Falcons then chose Desmond in 2013. Before ending his career as a mentor-type for the Legion of Boom, Marcus was the top corner on five playoff defenses and in Super Bowl XL. A one-time Pro Bowler like Marcus, Desmond was Atlanta's top cover man for years. He missed Super Bowl LI, however; his absence may be pivotal considering what the Patriots accomplished that night. Isaiah went undrafted but played five seasons with the Jets and Browns.

The modern era's premier linebacker family entered the NFL in near-identical fashion. Mychal came out of UCLA as 2012's No. 46 overall pick; ex-Bruin Eric went 45th in 2015. They signed lucrative extensions with the Eagles and Vikings, respectively, and spent most of their careers as starters. While Mychal's insider trading charge clouded his career, the outside linebacker continued playing and was part of an elite Seahawks trio with Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright. He also was a three-down 'backer for the Eagles' Super Bowl LII team, which beat Eric's Vikings in the NFC title game. Eric has been steadier, starting at middle linebacker for five top-10 Vikings defenses, earning an All-Pro honor, and amassing eight 100-tackle seasons.

Two key cogs in the Miami Hurricanes dynasty, Brian and Bennie Blades each became 1988 draft picks. The Lions chose Bennie, a safety, No. 3 overall. The Seahawks took his older brother, a wideout, in Round 2. They played 10 and 11 seasons, respectively, and each earned one Pro Bowl honor. A 1991 All-Pro, Bennie was one of his era's hardest hitters. He anchored several of the Lions' playoff secondaries in the '90s. Brian was Seattle's No. 1 receiver for much of his career; his 7,620 yards rank behind only Steve Largent and Tyler Lockett in Seahawks history.

While Howie Long was a second-round pick, both his sons went in Round 1: Chris at No. 2 overall in 2008 and Kyle 20th overall in 2013. A guard, Kyle outdid his older brother in Pro Bowls (3-0). But Chris authored an interesting conclusion. After a productive but overlooked eight-year Rams stay, Chris latched on as a pass-rushing specialist for back-to-back Super Bowl champions (the 2016 Patriots and '17 Eagles). The defensive end donated his entire 2017 salary to charity. Kyle Long became a high-end guard early, going 3-for-3 in Pro Bowls in his first three years. Injuries led the Bear blocker to retire in 2020, but he came out of retirement for a brief Chiefs cameo in 2021.

Thomas Jones sits 26th on the all-time rushing list, his 10,591 yards ranking ahead of the likes of Tiki Barber, Marshawn Lynch and Clinton Portis. The underrated back and his younger brother, Julius Jones, combined to rush for more than 15,000 yards. The No. 7 overall pick in 2000, Thomas peaked with the Bears and Jets in the late 2000s (though, he has since enjoyed success in the acting world, contributing in projects like "Straight Outta Compton" and "Luke Cage"). He strung together five 1,000-yard seasons from 2005-09. Thomas started during the Bears' mid-aughts resurgence and gained a career-high 1,402 yards on a 2009 team that played in the AFC title game. Julius totaled one 1,000-yard season, with the '06 Cowboys, and played seven years.  

These kickers combined to win five Super Bowls, and for a fifth of the NFL's timeline, there was a Bahr in the league. Drafted in the 1976 second round, Chris Bahr played 14 seasons and was the Raiders kicker on their 1980 and '83 Super Bowl teams. His younger brother began his career as the kicker for the Steelers' final 1970s Super Bowl team and spent much of the '80s in Cleveland. But Matt Bahr is best remembered for his five-field goal 1990 NFC championship showing; his game-winner ended the 49ers' three-peat bid. Matt, who also made Super Bowl XXV's game-winning field goal, kicked until 1995.

Trevon's career has not produced sustained success yet, but his 11 interceptions in a 2021 first-team All-Pro season are the most any player has grabbed in a season since 1981. The Cowboys have rewarded the 2020 second-round pick with a big-ticket extension. This came during an impactful Stefon stretch. One of the NFL's best receivers for several years, Stefon Diggs made the biggest difference in Josh Allen going from inconsistent raw talent to a top-tier quarterback. The Bills acquiring Stefon in 2020 ignited the QB's career. The elder Diggs has six straight 1,000-yard seasons, showing difference-making ability in Minnesota prior to the trade. 

Two of this era's more distinctive personalities, the Bennetts were 2010s NFL mainstays. Despite being two years younger, Martellus Bennett entered the NFL a year before Michael. A 2008 Round 2 pick, the tight end played 10 seasons (with five teams), making one Pro Bowl and scoring 30 touchdowns. Martellus' most memorable year came in 2016, when Rob Gronkowski's injury thrust him into the top tight end role on a Patriots Super Bowl champion team. Undrafted, Michael was one of the 2010s' best defensive linemen. The three-time Pro Bowler's versatility helped form dominant Seahawks defenses, and the slim-shoulder-padded rusher played 11 seasons.

Combining for four Pro Bowls, the Davises played different sides of the ball and came from different colleges. They were two of the better players at their respective spots. Vernon's 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the 2006 Scouting Combine is etched in tight end folklore. The elder Davis twice caught 13 TDs in a season and in 2011 produced an all-time playoff performance in a last-second win over the Saints. Vernon won a Super Bowl with the 2015 Broncos and played 14 seasons. Four years Vernon's junior, Vontae retired after eight seasons and one half. That odd exit aside, he served as a No. 1 cornerback for the Dolphins and Colts and had four four-INT years.

Both Jenkinses operated as interior defensive linemen. While Kris earned the accolades (four Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro honors), Cullen had a longer career at 13 seasons and was part of the Packers' 2010 Super Bowl champion. Kris Jenkins teamed with Mike Rucker on Carolina's strong early- and mid-2000s defensive lines, helping the Panthers to their first Super Bowl in 2003. Despite suffering two ACL tears, Kris played 10 seasons — the final three with the Jets. Two years younger, Cullen finished with 49 sacks. His career included stops with the Eagles, Giants and Washington through the 2016 slate.

Twins Jason and Devin McCourty entered the league at different times and with disparate profiles. Jason was a 2009 sixth-round pick; Devin went in the 2010 first round. While Jason manned a starting cornerback spot with eight unsuccessful Titans teams and the 0-16 Browns squad, Devin began his career with eight straight AFC championship game appearances. The two-time Pro Bowl safety's five Super Bowl starts are second-most among defenders. Devin and Jason teamed up as starters in probably the best defensive performance in Super Bowl history, with the Patriots holding the Rams to three points. They played three seasons together in New England, providing a notable NFL sibling chapter. Both are now early in broadcasting careers.

These brothers' legacies are a bit unusual. William "The Refrigerator" Perry is far better known because of his rookie season on the 1985 Bears and time spent on future dominant Chicago defenses. But younger sibling Michael Dean has a 6-0 Pro Bowl edge on his brother. The Fridge is partially known for his fullback work, but his four TDs all came as a rookie (the last one in Super Bowl XX). The defensive tackle played 10 seasons with the Bears and Eagles. Michael Dean was a top-tier D-tackle with the Browns from 1988-94; his 51.5 sacks are second in Browns history. He added 9.5 more in Denver from 1995-96.

Darren Sharper's legacy is complicated, the ex-safety having been sentenced to an 18-year prison term in 2016. He was one of the most dynamic DBs of his era. The younger Sharper brother's 13 defensive touchdowns are tied for the most ever. His 376 return yards in 2009, as a member of the Saints' Super Bowl team, remain an NFL record. A year older, Jamie was part of arguably the best defense ever. The outside linebacker joined Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware on the 2000 Ravens' Super Bowl run. Jamie started 135 games in nine seasons, his best work coming with the Ravens and on the Texans' first three teams.

The Hilgenbergs came into the league in the '80s — shortly after their uncle Wally Hilgenberg completed a 16-year career. The older brother, Jay was the center for the iconic 1985 Bears team and helped Walter Payton thrive well into his 30s. The undrafted free agent made seven straight Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams in a 13-year career. Joel, three years younger, played 10 seasons and made one Pro Bowl. He served as the center for Jim Mora's Saints teams that lifted the franchise to its first playoff berths. The brothers ended their careers on the same 1993 Saints team, with Jay serving as Joel's backup.

The list's largest age gap, Larry and David Little are 14 years apart. While Larry enjoyed a Hall of Fame career, David also played 12 seasons — all after his brother had retired. Larry Little aided one of the top rushing attacks in NFL history, the guard helping Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris and Jim Kiick power historic teams. Larry started for both the 1972 perfect Dolphins and their more dominant 1973 repeat champion, doing so after the Chargers cut him. After Larry's 14-year career, David became a nine-year Steelers starting linebacker despite being a seventh-round pick. He made the 1990 Pro Bowl. David died in 2005.

Like the McCourtys, the Pouncey twins' careers began a year apart. Maurkice left Florida a year early, becoming a 2010 Steelers first-round pick. The Dolphins took Mike in the 2011 first round. The brothers combined for 13 Pro Bowls and were two of the past decade's top centers. Maurkice landed on the All-Decade team after racking up eight 2010s Pro Bowls and helping the Steelers become an offensive juggernaut. Mike Pouncey was stuck on worse Dolphins teams and battled mid-career hip trouble. But he bounced back with a 2018 Pro Bowl season for the 12-4 Chargers. The ex-Gators retired on the same day in 2021.

The Bosas' trajectory could soar higher if Joey can string together some healthy seasons and Nick can flirt with more Defensive Player of the Year prizes. The sons of 1987 first-round pick John Bosa, Joey and Nick became of this century's top defensive prospects. Each entering the NFL as top-three draftees, Joey and Nick have four Pro Bowls apiece. The Chargers have relied on the older brother as their pass-rushing anchor for eight years, while Nick's 2019 arrival coincided with the 49ers' defense-geared rise. Kyle Shanahan's team is 4-for-4 in NFC championship appearances with Nick Bosa healthy and 0-for-3 otherwise. The younger Bosa is on a clear Hall of Fame path.

Thirteen years apart, Sam "Bam" and Randall Cunningham authored wildly different NFL stories. The former was a bruising fullback whose 10-year career unfolded before Randall's began. A 1973 first-round pick, Sam was a one-time Pro Bowler whose 5,453 rushing yards are the most in Patriots history. Randall was one of the NFL's star attractions in the 1980s and early '90s, the Eagles quarterback's elusiveness unlike any passer before him. He ran for 942 yards in 1990 — the third of his three Philly Pro Bowl slates. Randall resurfaced after a 1996 sabbatical, becoming an All-Pro while piloting the '98 Vikings' record-setting offense.

The NFL's most productive set of twins, the Barbers were two of the 2000s' best players and have become media mainstays post-retirement. Second- and third-round picks in 1997, Tiki and Ronde each played their entire careers for one team. Tiki did not take off until his late 20s, but his final three seasons — 2004-06 — each included 2,000 scrimmage yards. Only three other players have done that in three straight years. Tiki retired just before the Giants' 2007 Super Bowl season. Ronde kept going for six more years, finishing his career with five Pro Bowls and 47 INTs. His pick-six in the 2002 NFC title game sealed the Buccaneers' only Super Bowl trip. One of the NFL's slot cornerback pioneers, the versatile Ronde landed in the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Before Shannon took the baton as the lead Sharpe brother in 1995, Sterling was Jerry Rice's top competition for years. The Packers great was a three-time first-team All-Pro and became the first player to catch 100 passes in back-to-back years. Sterling caught 42 TDs in his final three seasons, teaming with new QB Brett Favre. A 1994 neck injury forced a retirement after seven seasons. Three years younger than his wideout brother, Shannon was a seventh-round pick who moved to tight end as a pro. The Broncos unleashed him in 1992, and over the next 12 seasons the three-time Super Bowl champ/debate-show mainstay broke every major tight end career record.

The Matthews brothers combined to play 38 NFL seasons, each suiting up for 19. Bruce had the better career, the Oilers/Titans offensive lineman becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but his older brother was one of the best players in Browns history. Clay's 62 sacks are the most in Browns annals, despite his career beginning four years before the sack era. The linebacker made four Pro Bowls and anchored Cleveland's four playoff defenses from 1985-89. Bruce played against Clay twice annually from 1981-93, dominating at guard, center and sometimes tackle. Bruce's 14 Pro Bowls — in his final 14 seasons, spanning Warren Moon's Run and Shoot through Eddie George's prime — match the most in NFL history.

J.J. Watt became one of the game's defensive line greats, and T.J. has followed as an elite outside linebacker. Middle brother Derek — who could go by D.J. but has chosen not to — played seven seasons, three of those with T.J. in Pittsburgh. J.J. won three Defensive Player of the Year awards as a Texan, is the only NFLer with two 20-sacks seasons and owns this century's top three tackles-for-loss slates. The popular pass rusher retired after 12 seasons. T.J. is now carrying the mantle for the Watts, having run roughshod over left tackles en route to three sack titles — the only player to accomplish this feat — and four first-team All-Pro honors. The Steelers' win-loss record has largely depended on T.J.'s availability.

The Kelces' 2020s are almost the stuff of legend. It is difficult to illustrate how high these brothers' profiles have climbed in their 30s. Each a Super Bowl champion (Travis recently collecting ring No. 3), the Kelces now host an award-winning podcast. Travis has gone from Patrick Mahomes' long-running wingman to global superstar, thanks to his Taylor Swift relationship. That has also elevated Jason and the Kelce matriarch's Q-ratings. Jason retired in 2024, closing one of the great second halves of a career in NFL history. All six of the center's All-Pro seasons came post age 30. This came as Travis authored the most prolific stretch in tight end history, racking up seven straight 1,000-yard seasons. 

This family produced one of the NFL's greatest players and a two-time Super Bowl MVP. While their on-field shticks were not remotely similar, with Peyton's pre-snap theatrics and maniacal dedication differing from Eli's even-keel style, the brothers became two of this century's defining players. Peyton's five MVPs and seven first-team All-Pro nods lead the QB field, and his record-breaking 2013 season moved him further into rarefied air. Eli went 0-3 against his brother but beat him to the two-ring club, his clutch 2007 and '11 postseasons covering for oft-ridiculed regular-season work. Eli did not match Peyton's 18 seasons but will likely join him in the Hall of Fame. He will join Peyton on Monday nights — via the Manningcast — for a fourth season in 2024.