NFL history has seen its fair share of iconic football families. The Mannings, Watts, and Sharpes have all produced multiple NFL stars. But the New York Jets might be on the verge of something even more unique: three brothers playing not only in the same league-but on the same team.
Giovanni Williams, a former linebacker at Miles College, announced Thursday that he’s participating in the Jets’ rookie minicamp. While that may sound like just another offseason storyline, there’s more at play. Giovanni is the younger brother of two established Jets defenders-Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams.
Three brothers, one roster: A first in NFL history?
The idea of three siblings playing on the same NFL team is unprecedented. If Giovanni can earn a spot on the final 53-man roster, the Jets could become the first franchise to field three brothers at the same time. And if all three take the field together during a game, it would mark a historic moment in professional football.
Giovanni’s path to the NFL has been the most challenging of the trio. A standout for the Division II Miles College Golden Bears in Alabama, his exposure was limited. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, and his best shot at catching the eyes of scouts came at the HBCU Combine.
While he went undrafted and unsigned in the immediate aftermath, the Jets invited him to rookie minicamp-a crucial first step in a long-shot bid to make the team.
His older brothers have already carved out successful careers with the franchise. Quinnen Williams, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama, has become one of the most dominant interior linemen in the league. He’s coming off his third straight Pro Bowl appearance and signed a $96 million contract extension in 2023.
Quincy Williams, drafted in the third round that same year by Jacksonville, faced a bumpier start. Injuries and inconsistencies led to his release after two seasons. But after joining the Jets, Quincy found new life-emerging as one of their most dependable tacklers and earning All-Pro honors along the way.
Now it’s Giovanni’s turn to try and earn his place beside them. While cracking an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent is no easy task, the opportunity is real-and so is the motivation. Being part of an NFL team is a dream in itself, but joining your two brothers on the same defense is something almost no one in the sport has done before.
The odds are steep, but the story is compelling. If Giovanni makes it to training camp, fights through the preseason, and secures a spot on the roster, the Jets could soon become the home of a football family first-three brothers, united on one NFL field.
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