Sometimes being a great athlete comes down to simple genetics. The Chicago Bears are about to put that theory to the test with their most recent signing.
A common theme in the NFL, as with other sports is that being a great athlete tends to run in the family. Fathers who were tremendous football players often have sons who match or even exceed their accomplishments. Ask the Mannings, or perhaps Clay Matthews. Bloodlines run deep in this game, but one of the most fascinating and uncommon tests of DNA power is sibling. More specifically identical twins.
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Every major sport of note has experienced at least one instance of twin brothers entering their sport together and going on to have success. Football is a shining example. There have been a number of brother tandems that not only entered the NFL together, but came in and played well.
Devin McCourty and Jason McCourty
A member of the Patriots, Devin is a two-time All-Pro safety who helped his team win a Super Bowl ring in 2014. Jason has started 76 games for the Titans at cornerback with 11 interceptions.
Mike Pouncey and Maurkice Pouncey
Despite both being plagued by sporadic injury problems, they are two of the best interior offensive linemen in the game. Mike is a three-time Pro Bowler in Miami while Maurkice is a four-time Pro Bowler in Pittsburgh.
Ronde Barber and Tiki Barber
Perhaps the brightest beacon of twin success in all of sports. Tiki is the all-time leading rusher in New York Giants history with over 15,500 total yards from scrimmage. Ronde played 241 games for Tampa Bay, intercepted 47 passes, sacked 28 quarterbacks, scored eight touchdowns and won a Super Bowl ring.
This background of twin success makes the Bears’ signing of Marquis Jackson interesting. A 26-year old defensive lineman who comes over from the Arena Football League, he doesn’t bring much of a reputation other than the fact that he shared the same womb for nine months with Malik Jackson, his brother. For those who need a refresher, Malik was one of the lynchpins of the Denver Broncos defense that led the way to the teams’ Super Bowl victory back in February.
A disruptive presence on the interior, he notched five sacks and was excellent against the run, allowing the pass rushers on the outside to thrive. That is why he earned a hefty $90 million contract from Jacksonville when he became a free agent in March. This of course raised a question. If he can play that well on the biggest stage, then is it possible his identical twin can do the same?
That is something the Chicago Bears are eager to find out. It could be possible the Vikings never gave him a fair shake. After all, despite a turbulent time in college he was pretty productive in his two years at Texas Southern with 13 sacks, five forced fumbles and All-Conference honors both times. It could be that all he needs is an opportunity. John Fox coaches his brother in Denver, so he more than anybody understands what those genetics are capable of.
If it works, it would reaffirm how important it is to note family ties when considering drafting or signing future players.