For any family, it’s a proud thing if their son is playing in the NFL. It’s the biggest football league in the world. However, when your twins are competing against greats, it becomes something more boastful. Both McCollum brothers, Zyon and Tristin, are part of NFL teams. While the former is playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the latter represents the Philadelphia Eagles. Their life stories were similar until they decided to follow individual paths.

Their parents played a key role in giving directions to their lives. Let’s check out their childhood and teenage years which propelled them into the NFL.

Are the McCollum brothers twins?

Both brothers were born on May 25, 1999, in Galveston, Texas. And they were identical. Not only physically, they even had the same desires since childhood. There is one more thing about them. They have athletic abilities in genes from their father, Cory Carr, who played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls.

Their mother, Tisha McCollum, also played a big role in nurturing their dreams. A teacher herself, she made sure that the twins had an all-around development. But she also noticed their passion for sports. While they initially chased butterflies in the adjoining fields near their home, they soon turned into sports fields.

While talking about Tisha’s contribution, Zyon said, “She instilled a lot of values in us that caused us to kind of learn and teach ourselves when I was growing up. You know, we just want to return the favor to her. And really just, you know, let her know how much it really means to us, for her to just always be there for us unconditionally.” That sums it up perfectly.

Their father also encouraged them to play, as it would help them to become strong. Zyon and Tristin played anything they could – swimming, tennis, track and field, football, basketball, and soccer. But eventually, they chose football.

McCollum brothers – From identical twins to gridiron rivals

The twins were together everywhere until they were drafted. Both played flag football at the local YMCA. Later, they hit their growth spurts also at the same time. Both later chose Sam Houston State. Since they were told the ins and outs of the sports world, both even pursued a biomedical science degree to have a backup career option.

However, their lifelong dream came true in the 2022 NFL Draft. While Zyon McCollum became a cornerback for the Bucs, Tristin McCollum was included in the Eagles roster as a safety. This marked the first time both were going their separate ways. But it was a blessing in disguise. Both didn’t want to live a twin life, which included buying the same car, doing the same job, and marrying twins. Hence, their mother was happy when they were drafted.

The McCollum brothers are enjoying their dream lives now. Their parents are also happy as their hard work has paid off. Stay tuned! More such stories coming your way.