Most brothers fight in the backyard. These brothers fought for championships. But they probably had backyard fights, too.
Throughout the history of American professional sports, brothers have occasionally found themselves on the same team. The latest example comes from the Florida Panthers, who have responded to falling short of the Stanley Cup for the first time in three years by trading for Brady Tkachuk to join his brother and fellow U.S. Olympian Matthew.
This reunion seemed to be coming down the tracks for a while. In 2023, the brothers played on an NHL All-Star team together for the first time. Then in 2025, the Tkachuks played on the same line in the Four Nations tournament. Then earlier this year, the Tkachuks helped Team USA win the Olympic gold in Milan.
While many siblings have strived for the highest level of competition, only a select few have had the opportunity to play, much less play together for the same franchise, and leave a lasting impact on their teams.
This ranking highlights the top brother duos and trios from MLB, NHL, NBA and NFL. Rankings were determined using a combination of achievements like awards, statistical accomplishments and overall influence on their respective organizations while they were there together.
MLB
Hank & Tommie Aaron | Atlanta Braves | 1962–63, 1965, 1968–71
When the Braves reunited Hank and Tommie Aaron in Atlanta, they created one of baseball’s most famous family partnerships. Hank became one of the greatest players in MLB history, finishing with 755 home runs, the all-time record for more than three decades. Tommie never reached the same superstar status, but he spent seven seasons in the majors and played a key supporting role during the Braves’ rise in the 1960s and 70s.
Phil & Joe Niekro | Atlanta Braves | 1973–74
When the Braves paired Phil and Joe Niekro in the same rotation, they had one of baseball’s most successful brother tandems on the mound. Phil became a Hall of Famer with 318 career victories, while Joe won 221 games and earned an All-Star selection of his own. Both brothers relied on devastating knuckleballs that baffled hitters for decades. Together they combined for 539 wins, one of the highest totals ever recorded by siblings.
Cal & Billy Ripken | Baltimore Orioles | 1987–92, 1996
The Ripken brothers carried on one of baseball’s most famous family traditions in Baltimore. Cal became a Hall of Famer and broke Lou Gehrig’s legendary consecutive games played record, earning the nickname “The Iron Man.” Billy carved out a respectable 12-year major league career.
Joe & Frank Torre | Atlanta Braves | 1960
The Torre brothers made their mark in Atlanta long before Joe became one of baseball’s most famous managers. Joe developed into a National League MVP and Hall of Fame player, collecting more than 2,300 hits. Frank was a respected first baseman who spent 14 seasons in the majors and won a Gold Glove.
Bengie & José Molina | Los Angeles Angels | 2001-05
The Molina brothers built one of baseball’s greatest catching families. Bengie and José won multiple World Series championships, while Yadier became a future Hall of Famer with 10 All-Star selections, nine Gold Gloves and two World Series titles. Their defensive excellence and leadership behind the plate earned them respect throughout the sport. Few families have had a greater impact on the catcher position.
NHL
Maurice & Henri Richard | Montreal Canadiens | 1955–60
Few brothers have dominated a sport the way Maurice and Henri Richard did in Montreal. Maurice became hockey’s first 50-goal scorer and one of the NHL’s earliest superstars, while Henri built a Hall of Fame career of his own. Between them, they won an astonishing 19 Stanley Cups with the Canadiens. Their success helped define one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports history.
Daniel & Henrik Sedin | Vancouver Canucks | 2000–18
The Sedin twins spent their entire NHL careers together in Vancouver and became the faces of the franchise for nearly two decades. Henrik won the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in 2010, while Daniel captured the Ross Trophy same awards the following season. Together they recorded more than 2,100 career points and led the Canucks to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final.
Bobby & Dennis Hull | Chicago Blackhawks | 1964–72
The Hull brothers gave Chicago one of the most talented sibling pairings in hockey history. Bobby became a Hall of Fame legend known for his powerful shot and scoring ability, while Dennis developed into a productive NHL star in his own right. Together they combined more than 1,300 NHL goals across their careers. Their impact helped make the Blackhawks one of the NHL’s marquee franchises during the 1960s and 70s.
Duane & Brent Sutter | New York Islanders | 1981–85
The Islanders’ dynasty featured several members of the famous Sutter family, including brothers Duane and Brent. Together they helped New York win four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980-83. Brent later became team captain and one of the league’s most respected two-way forwards.
Nick & Marcus Foligno | Minnesota Wild | 2023-present
The Foligno brothers have combined talent, leadership and longevity throughout their NHL careers. Nick became an All-Star captain and respected veteran leader, while Marcus developed into one of the league’s most effective power forwards. Both have been known as much for their character as their on-ice performance. Their careers have continued the hockey legacy started by their father, Mike Foligno.
Jack & Luke Huges | New Jersey Devils | 2022-present
Two of the three brothers to be drafted in the first round of the NHL draft in recent years, Jack was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019 and Jack was the fourth overall selection in 2021. They were both playing for the Devils by the 2021 season. Luke has been a steady defenseman while Jack has emerged as one of the league’s best young stars, scoring 168 goals since 2020.
NBA
Pau & Marc Gasol | Memphis Grizzlies | 2008–10
The Gasol brothers transformed Memphis basketball and became two of the most accomplished international players in NBA history. Pau was a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, while Marc earned a Defensive Player of the Year award, three All-Star selections and an NBA championship of his own. Although they achieved their greatest team success with different franchises, both left lasting legacies with the Grizzlies.
Giannis, Thanasis & Kostas Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | 2019–26
The Antetokounmpo brothers turned an unlikely journey from Greece into one of basketball’s greatest family success stories. Giannis became a two-time MVP, NBA champion and Finals MVP while establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant players (who has just been traded to Miami). Thanasis provided energy and leadership as a longtime teammate in Milwaukee, and Kostas added an NBA championship with the Lakers. Their combined accomplishments have made the Antetokounmpo name one of the most recognizable in modern basketball.
Aaron, Jrue & Justin Holiday | Philadelphia 76ers; Indiana Pacers; Atlanta Hawks | 2012-13; 2020-21; 2022-23
Few families have produced three NBA players as accomplished as the Holidays. Jrue became an NBA champion, Olympic gold medalist and one of the league’s elite defensive guards, while Justin carved out a lengthy career as a dependable wing. Aaron added valuable depth and playmaking ability during his NBA tenure.
Brook & Robin Lopez | Milwaukee Bucks | 2019-20
After years of playing against each other, the Lopez twins finally shared an NBA roster in Milwaukee. Brook developed into an All-Star center, NBA champion and one of the league’s premier rim protectors, while Robin earned a reputation as a reliable veteran and elite teammate. Their size, durability and longevity helped them combine for more than two decades in the NBA.
Franz & Moritz Wagner | Orlando Magic | 2021-present
The Wagner brothers brought international chemistry from Germany to Orlando. Franz quickly emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars thanks to his scoring and versatility, while Moritz developed into an energetic frontcourt contributor. Their connection helped accelerate the Magic’s rebuilding effort.
Marcus & Markieff Morris | Los Angeles Clippers | 2020-21
The Morris twins built nearly identical careers through toughness and versatility. Both became reliable NBA starters known for their physical style and ability to stretch the floor. Markieff captured an NBA championship with the Lakers, while Marcus played a key role on several playoff contenders. Their longevity has made them one of the most recognizable brother duos in modern basketball.
Caleb & Cody Martin | Charlotte Hornets | 2019-21
The Martin twins entered the NBA as under-the-radar prospects but quickly earned respect through hard work and versatility. Caleb developed into a key contributor on deep playoff teams, while Cody became a valuable defender and playmaker. Their athleticism and relentless effort helped them overcome long odds to establish NBA careers.
NFL
T.J. & Derek Watt | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2020-22
The Steelers brought the Watt family tradition to Pittsburgh when Derek joined younger brother T.J. on the roster. T.J. quickly became one of the NFL’s premier defensive players, earning multiple All-Pro selections and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award. Derek contributed as a reliable fullback and special teams’ player throughout his career.
Devin & Jason McCourty | New England Patriots | 2018-20
After spending years on separate NFL paths, the McCourty twins finally teamed up in New England. Devin became one of the league’s most respected safeties and a cornerstone of the Patriots’ defense, while Jason brought veteran leadership and versatility to the secondary. The brothers helped New England win Super Bowl 53 following the 2018 season.
Cameron & Connor Heyward | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2022-24
The Steelers added another chapter to their family legacy when Connor joined older brother Cameron in Pittsburgh. Cameron became one of the NFL’s premier defensive linemen, earning multiple All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl appearances. Connor contributed as a versatile offensive weapon and special teams’ player. Together, they carried on the football tradition established by their father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward.
Shaquill & Shaquem Griffin | Seattle Seahawks | 2018-20
The Griffin twins inspired fans throughout the NFL with one of football’s most remarkable stories. Shaquill became a Pro Bowl cornerback, while Shaquem overcame the loss of a hand to reach the NFL and contribute on defense and special teams. Their perseverance and determination made them role models throughout sports.
Ryan & Matt Kalil | Carolina Panthers | 2017-18
The Panthers benefited from having two of the NFL’s most accomplished offensive linemen from the same family. Ryan became a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s best centers, while Matt earned Pro Bowl honors as a left tackle. Their protection helped power successful offenses throughout the 2010s.
E.J. & Erin Henderson | Minnesota Vikings | 2008-11
The Henderson brothers became key pieces of Minnesota’s defense during the 2000s. E.J. was a tackling machine and defensive leader, while Erin developed into a productive linebacker in his own right. Their physical style fits perfectly with the Vikings’ defensive identity.
Champ & Boss Bailey | Denver Broncos | 2008
The Broncos reunited the Bailey brothers after Champ had already established himself as one of the NFL’s greatest cornerbacks. Champ earned Hall of Fame recognition, 12 Pro Bowl selections, and a reputation as one of the best cover defenders ever. Boss contributed as a versatile linebacker and special teams’ player throughout his career. Their combined success made them one of football’s most talented sibling pairings.
Merlin & Phil Olsen | Los Angeles Rams | 1971-1975
The Olsen brothers helped build one of the NFL’s most respected football families. Merlin became a Hall of Fame defensive tackle and a cornerstone of the Rams’ famed “Fearsome Foursome” defense. Phil also enjoyed a successful NFL career and played alongside his brother in Los Angeles.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tkachuks on Florida Panthers adds to iconic sibling duos on same team
Reporting by Samantha Guillotte, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Guillotte, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
