The bond of brotherhood runs deep in the NFL, creating some of the most compelling and dominant family legacies in professional sports. As of the current date, December 18, 2025, the league is still buzzing from the recent retirement announcement of one half of the most famous sibling duo, and the continued dominance of others, proving that football greatness often comes in pairs—or even trios.
From defensive powerhouses who shatter sack records to offensive linemen and tight ends who redefine their positions, the history of the National Football League is littered with brothers who not only made it to the highest level but etched their names into the history books. These are the stories of shared dreams, intense competition, and the unique family ties that have powered some of the greatest careers in football history.
The Modern Dynasty: Current and Recently Retired NFL Brothers
The landscape of the modern NFL has been defined by a few select families who have produced multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro talents. These siblings represent the gold standard for football families, often competing against each other on the biggest stage.
1. The Kelce Brothers: The Super Bowl LVII Showdown
Jason and Travis Kelce are arguably the most famous brothers in NFL history, largely due to their historic Super Bowl matchup and their continued media presence. The two have built a legacy of excellence and durability at two of the league's most demanding positions.
- Jason Kelce (C): Drafted in 2011 by the Philadelphia Eagles, Jason became a six-time First-Team All-Pro and a Super Bowl LII champion. His emotional retirement announcement cemented his status as one of the greatest centers of the modern era.
- Travis Kelce (TE): Drafted in 2013 by the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis is widely considered one of the greatest tight ends of all time. He is a multiple-time Super Bowl champion and a perennial Pro Bowler, holding numerous receiving records for his position.
- The Legacy: They made history in February 2023 as the first pair of brothers to face each other in a Super Bowl (LVII), with Travis's Chiefs defeating Jason's Eagles.
2. The Watt Brothers: The Defensive Triple Threat
The Watt family is a statistical anomaly, producing three brothers who played in the NFL, all on the defensive side of the ball, with two being generational pass-rushers. Their combined sack total is a testament to their family's dominance.
- J.J. Watt (DE): A five-time Pro Bowler, five-time First-Team All-Pro, and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. J.J.'s career with the Texans and Cardinals set the benchmark for defensive excellence.
- T.J. Watt (LB): A perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers, T.J. is one of the most feared pass-rushers in the league today. He holds the record for most sacks in a season (tied) and has multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
- Derek Watt (FB): The eldest brother, Derek carved out a successful career as a versatile fullback and special teams ace, notably playing for the Chargers and Steelers.
3. The Bosa Brothers: The High-Draft Defensive Ends
Joey and Nick Bosa are two of the most disruptive defensive ends in the NFL. Both were top-five draft picks—an incredible feat for any family—and are foundational pieces for their respective teams.
- Joey Bosa (DE/OLB): Drafted 3rd overall in 2016 by the Chargers, Joey is a multiple-time Pro Bowler known for his high motor and elite pass-rushing technique.
- Nick Bosa (DE): Drafted 2nd overall in 2019 by the San Francisco 49ers, Nick quickly became a Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Pro, and a Pro Bowl selection, anchoring one of the league's top defenses.
- The Legacy: Their combined talent makes them one of the most valuable sibling pairings currently playing, consistently ranking among the league leaders in sacks and quarterback pressures.
More Elite NFL Sibling Duos and Trios
The sheer number of brothers who have played in the NFL is staggering, with over 377 documented sets of siblings since 2016 alone. While the Kelces and Watts dominate the headlines, several other families have left indelible marks on the game.
4. The McCourty Twins: Super Bowl History Makers
Devin and Jason McCourty are one of the most successful sets of twins in NFL history. Both were elite defensive backs who played together for a period with the New England Patriots.
- Devin McCourty (S): A long-time captain for the Patriots, Devin was a three-time Super Bowl champion, a two-time Pro Bowler, and a Second-Team All-Pro. He was the 27th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
- Jason McCourty (CB): Jason spent the first nine years of his career with the Titans and Browns before joining his brother in New England. They became the first set of twins to win a Super Bowl together (Super Bowl LIII).
5. The Gronkowski Brothers: A Family of Five Pro Athletes
The Gronkowski family is famous for producing five athletic brothers, four of whom played in the NFL—a truly remarkable achievement for a single family.
- Rob Gronkowski (TE): The most famous of the brothers, Rob is a four-time Super Bowl champion, a four-time First-Team All-Pro, and one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history.
- Chris Gronkowski (FB): Played for the Cowboys, Colts, and Broncos, primarily as a blocking fullback.
- Dan Gronkowski (TE): Played for the Lions, Broncos, and Patriots, overlapping with Rob on the Patriots' roster.
- Glenn Gronkowski (FB): Briefly played for the Bills and Patriots.
6. The Manning Brothers: Quarterback Royalty
Peyton and Eli Manning are the gold standard for quarterback siblings. Both led their respective teams to multiple Super Bowl victories, making them one of the most decorated brother pairings in league history.
- Peyton Manning (QB): A five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Colts and Broncos. He is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
- Eli Manning (QB): A two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP with the New York Giants.
7. The Barber Twins: Offensive and Defensive Stars
Tiki and Ronde Barber are another set of successful twins who played different roles on opposite sides of the ball, both achieving high levels of success.
- Tiki Barber (RB): An elite running back for the New York Giants, known for his speed and versatility, retiring as the team's all-time leading rusher.
- Ronde Barber (CB): A Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, known for his longevity and playmaking ability, and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
8. The Long Brothers: Following in a Hall of Famer's Footsteps
Chris and Kyle Long are the sons of Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long, continuing a powerful family tradition in the trenches.
- Chris Long (DE): A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and Eagles, and the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
- Kyle Long (OG): A three-time Pro Bowl offensive guard for the Chicago Bears.
9. The Colquitt Brothers: The Punting Specialists
The Colquitt family has a unique place in NFL history, specializing in the punter position across three generations. Dustin and Britton Colquitt continued their father's legacy as elite special teams players.
- Dustin Colquitt (P): A two-time Pro Bowl punter who spent 15 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning Super Bowl LIV.
- Britton Colquitt (P): Also a Super Bowl champion with the Denver Broncos, making their family the first player trio (with their father) to have Super Bowl rings.
10. The Etienne Brothers: The New Generation Showdown
The Etienne brothers represent the newest generation of siblings to make their mark. Their recent face-off in the 2024 season was a major news story, highlighting the rare occurrence of brothers competing directly.
- Travis Etienne (RB): A dynamic running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Trevor Etienne (RB): A talented running back who recently began his professional career, setting up an emotional first-ever professional matchup between the two.
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