Most of us are only promised football careers that will last through high school graduation (if that long). Still, it isn't lost on us that it takes a different type of animal to work his butt off to earn an opportunity to play at football's highest level for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Then, there are guys from countries where our great game isn't the most popular sport. Their opportunities to face better competition and find proper coaching are slimmer. That's why we have a ton of respect for what guys like Jordan Mailata have done.
Mailaita didn't know how to put his helmet on when he arrived at the NovaCare Complex. The learning curve wasn't that steep for Sydney. The CFL will never be as entertaining as the NFL, but we know they're playing our brand of football up there in Canada.
We've also seen Canadian-born stars shine, guys like Pro Football Hall of Famer Bronco Nagurski. We must also tip the cap to current players like Chase Claypool, Chuba Hubbard, Michael Hoecht, Jevon Holland, and Sydney's twin brother, Chase.
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Sydney Brown and his twin brother, Chase, become the first Canadian Twins to battle on an NFL field.
Sydney Brown played three snaps on Sunday, all as a run defender. Chase had a busier afternoon. He turned in 28 snaps, roughly 48% of the defensive total. 12 carries produced 32 rushing yards and one of the Bengals' pair of TDs on the day.
We're happy that the right team won (Philly), but we're also happy for the Brown family. Chase and Sydney were teammates at Illinois but were opponents on Sunday.
The Brown brothers finally square off. For the first time, Bengals running back Chase Brown and Eagles safety Sydney Brown – identical twins -- will square off in a game today. They grew up together in Canada, played together in high school and at the University of Illinois, and… pic.twitter.com/Ks69zq12Nl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2024
For the first time in @NFL history, Canadian twins are playing in a game against each other.
— NFL Canada (@NFLCanada) October 27, 2024
Sydney and Chase Brown were both named co-captains for the game. 🇨🇦@Bengals | @Eagles pic.twitter.com/GWVcG2wLhD
Oh, and while we're discussing history... We're pretty certain this is the first ever jersey swap we have seen orchestrated by twins.
A special moment for the Brown twins 🥹 pic.twitter.com/jZ3oz0GoIO
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 27, 2024
Before playing for the Fighting Illini, Sydney and Chase spent time at South Collegiate in London and
Saint Stephen's in Bradenton, Florida. Chase spent a year at Western Michigan (2018) while Sydney was starting as a true freshman at Illinois. They played in Champagne together from 2019-2022.
Sydney was selected 66th overall during Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Chase was taken two rounds later at the 163rd overall selection. He was also the CFL's 59th selection that same year as the 59th pick overall.
We're certain that Week 8 was a huge moment for them and their family, but again... We're glad the right team won.