Before the draft, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs knew there was a chance the Dallas Cowboys could draft his brother, Caleb, setting up a playoff game in 2026. So it happened.
“I remember before he was drafted — not to talk about the Cowboys’ scheme or anything — but he told me if he goes to the Cowboys, he’s playing nickel,” Josh said earlier this week. “So, it’s like a toss-up the whole game. I thought it was interesting. So when he got drafted, I was like, ‘You know we’re playing all of you this year?’ He got all the hype.”
The Downs brothers met once in high school, when Josh’s North Gwinnett High School in Georgia blasted Caleb’s Mill Creek, according to the Indy Star. Josh beat his younger brother for a touchdown. He would like to repeat when the Colts host the Cowboys sometime in 2026.
“It’s all fun and games, but you know I still have to let him know he’s the little brother in this situation,” Josh said.
The Downs duo is one of 17 sets of brothers currently playing in the NFL, according to NFL Research, including adopted brothers Tez Johnson and Bo Nix.
- Sydney Brown (Falcons), Chase Brown (Bengals)
- Christian Elliss (Patriots), Kaden Elliss (Saints), Jonah Elliss (Broncos)
- Josh Downs (Colts), Caleb Downs (Cowboys)
- Matt Hennessy (Cowboys), Thomas Hennessy (Jets)
- Cameron Heyward (Steelers). Connor Heyward (Raiders)
- Tez Johnson (Buccaneers), Bo Nix (Broncos)
- Luke McCaffrey (Chiefs), Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
- Max Melton (Cardinals), Bo Melton (Packers)
- Azeez Ojulari (Falcons), BJ Ojulari (Cardinals)
- Jordan Oladokun (Chargers), Chris Oladokun (Chiefs)
- Patrick Paul (Dolphins), Chris Paul (Chiefs)
- Penei Sewell (Lions), Nephi Sewell (Bears)
- AJ Terrell Jr. (Falcons), Avieon Terrell (Falcons)
- Zach Thomas (49ers), Cameron Thomas (Falcons)
- Tuli Tuipulotu (Chargers), Marlon Tuipulotu (Giants)
- Quincy Williams (Browns), Quinnen Williams (Cowboys)
- Rejzohn Wright (Saints), Nahshon Wright (Jets)
The Terrell brothers will obviously play together after Avieon was drafted by Atlanta – a club that seems to have a special affinity for brotherhood (four on the list above). Seven sets of brothers will meet in 2026:
- CIN Chase Brown at ATL Sydney Brown
- DEN Jonah Elliss at NE Christian Elliss
- WAS Luke McCaffrey at SF Christian McCaffrey
- LAC Jordan Oladokun vs. KC Chris Oladokun
- DET Penei Sewell v. CHI Nephi Sewell
- SF Zach Thomas at ATL Cameron Thomas
- Caleb Downs’ DAL on Josh Downs’ IND
When those family matters will take place will be known in the coming weeks when the league releases the 2026 NFL schedule.