What the NFL divided, Madrid brings together: brothers reunited

Besides marking a historic milestone – the first-ever NFL game in Spain – Sunday’s clash at the Bernabéu between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders will also see the Paul brothers join a rare fraternity: siblings who have shared the same NFL field.

NFL’s Paul brothers in Madrid

Patrick, the younger of the two at 24, was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round (55th overall) of the 2024 draft. His older brother Chris, 26, is already an established starter for the Commanders, despite being a seventh-round pick in 2022 – a round that rarely produces regular starters. Both line up on offense: Patrick as a tackle, Chris as a guard.

The younger Paul has admirably filled the void left by Terron Armstead, a legend at the position who retired after last season and spoke with AS on Wednesday. Chris, meanwhile, is a near-permanent fixture in Dan Quinn’s plans, starting eight of Washington’s ten games so far this season.

Their names will now be added to a select lineage of NFL brother pairs: the Bosas (Nick and Joey), the Mannings (Peyton and Eli), the Sharpes (Shannon and Sterling), the Watts (J.J. and T.J.), the Kelces (Travis and Jason), the Barbers (Ronde and Tiki) and the Harbaughs (Jim and John). “It’ll be a special moment,” Patrick said Wednesday at the Metropolitano. “We faced each other in the preseason during my rookie year, but never in a regular-season game.”

“My parents are really proud. It’s a blessing for both of us to do this for a living,” added the Dolphins lineman, who hasn’t seen Chris in “months.” “They’re all coming this week – my parents, cousins, everyone. I had to ask for 10 or 12 tickets. I think my mom even has a jersey that’s half one team, half the other. She hasn’t shown it yet, but I’m pretty sure it’s a surprise.”

What the NFL once separated, Madrid will reunite.

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