Top 5 best brother duos in NFL history feat. the Kelces, Mannings and more

Brother duos in the NFL are not very common. Having one family member make it in professional sports is daunting, so having two or more seems nearly impossible.

Having siblings playing at the professional level is especially interesting when only 2% of all student-athletes go on to play at that level.

Let's take a look at some of the most famous brother duos who have played together in the NFL.

Some of the brother duos in the NFL include:

#5, Peyton and Eli Manning

One of the best NFL players and a two-time Super Bowl MVP come from the Manning family. The siblings developed into two of this century's most influential athletes, despite the fact that their on-field antics were completely different from one another, with Peyton's pre-snap theatrics and maniacal determination diverging from Eli's even-keeled manner.

With five MVP awards and seven first-team All-Pro selections, Peyton leads the quarterback field by a margin of two, and his record-breaking 2013 season elevated him even higher.

Eli lost three times to his brother, although he was the first to win two rings thanks to his outstanding postseason performances in 2007 and 2011, which made up for his regularly mocked regular-season performances. Eli likely won't join Peyton in the Hall of Fame despite having fewer seasons (18) than Peyton.

#4, Clay and Bruce Matthews

The Matthews brothers each participated in the NFL for 19 seasons, for a total of 38 seasons. The elder Matthews was one of the greatest players in Cleveland Browns history, despite the fact that Bruce's career was more successful and he was voted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.

Despite beginning his career four years before the sack era, Clay accumulated 62 sacks, which is the highest in Browns history. From 1985 to 1989, the linebacker was a cornerstone of Cleveland's four playoff defenses and was chosen for four Pro Bowls.

Bruce dominated at tackle, center and even guard. Bruce holds the record for the most Pro Bowl appearances in NFL history with 14, earning them throughout the span of his final 14 seasons from Warren Moon's Run and Shoot to Eddie George's peak.

#3, Jason and Devin McCourty

Twins Jason and Devin McCourty came into the league at various points and with various backgrounds. Devin was taken in the 2010 first round, while Jason was selected in the sixth round in 2009.

Unlike Jason, who started at cornerback for the 0-16 Browns club and eight unsuccessful Titans teams, Devin has appeared in eight of the last 11 AFC championship games. With five Super Bowl starts, the two-time Pro Bowl safety has the second-highest total among defenders.

The Patriots defense, led by Devin and Jason, was arguably the finest in Super Bowl history as they limited the Rams to three points. They shared three seasons of football in New England and created a noteworthy NFL sibling chapter there.

#2, J.J., Derek and T.J. Watt

T.J. has developed into a top outside linebacker, and J.J. Watt was one of the league's best defensive linemen. Despite having the option to go by D.J. Watt, Derek has played quietly for five seasons.

T.J. is in Pittsburgh. J.J. was named Defensive Player of the Year three times as a Texan and has the top three seasons in tackles for loss this century. The well-liked NFL player plans to work productively into his 30s in Arizona.

T.J., who trampled left tackles on his way to 42.5 sacks in 2018, is now carrying the load for the Watts. The youngest Watt, who led the NFL in sacks in 2020, has the potential to propel this brother trio even further forward in the future.

#1, Jason and Travis Kelce

The 2023 Super Bowl will feature two siblings playing against one another for the first time in the history of the contest.

To beat their respective teams in the Super Bowl, tight end Travis Kelce of the Chiefs and center Jason Kelce of the Eagles will compete against one another. While Jason earned his first title when the Eagles upset the Patriots in Super Bowl 52, Travis got his when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 54.

This is the biggest brother-versus-brother competition that has taken place since John and Jim Harbaugh faced off as rival coaches when the Baltimore Ravens faced the 49ers Super Bowl.