Sydney Brown of the Eagles and Chase Brown of the Bengals make NFL history as identical twins compete against each other for the first time

PHILADELPHIA – The last time Sydney Brown faced Chase Brown in college, the competitiveness was clear to see.

Born just two minutes apart, Sydney had the opportunity to defeat his identical twin brother in the game they love most. The two were juniors at Illinois when they competed against each other in an intrasquad scrimmage. That was the last time the brothers would be tested on the football field.

“We used to try all the time, but it got to the point where they wouldn't let us train against each other – which kind of speaks for itself,” Sydney said with a smile. “It’s the competitive nature that we have with each other and the type of relationship that we have with each other. That’s what got us to where we are now.”

“Having that competitive advantage and trying to outdo the other twin. That has always shaped our relationship.”

Of course, that will change on Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Sydney, a safety for the Eagles, will face Chase, a running back for the Bengals, at some point in the game. Sydney will likely get the opportunity to defeat Chase for the first time since meeting in Illinois.

This will also be the first time the brothers compete against each other. Should Sydney defeat Chase, he would be the first player to face his identical twin brother since Ronde Barber faced Tiki Barber in Week 8 of the 2006 season. The Barbers are the only known identical twin brothers to compete in an NFL game (since play-by-play was first recorded in 1991).

“We both talk shit,” Brown said with a laugh. “We will definitely have something. It's just one of those moments where this game has been happening for four years, whatever it may be. Whoever gets it will have to wait until they get this opportunity again.”

Because the Browns are naturally competitive, they were not allowed to compete against each other during their final two years at Illinois. Both have managed to carve out a niche for themselves in recent years. Sydney was selected in the third round by the Eagles in the 2023 draft, while Chase was selected in the fifth round by the Bengals.

Chase has emerged as the Bengals' top rushing option in recent weeks, scoring a touchdown in three of his last four games. He has more than 50 scrimmage yards in five straight games and is second on the team with four touchdowns.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Sydney said of Chase’s success. “He put in the work in the offseason. It's just his drive. That was his mindset when he was named starting running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, and he continues to work on that every day.”

“He’s just, he’s a dog. He has the right mentality, attacks the game the right way, and I'm not surprised he's having success because of the work he puts in every day, from the game plan to his body.”

Sydney is back in the second game from a torn ACL suffered in January and is still trying to find his role in the Eagles' defense. There was a possibility that Sydney would not be available for this game, depending on which month on the calendar the Eagles would face the Bengals. The brothers knew their duel would take place this year, but Sydney hoped he would be on the field on October 27th.

“I was literally sitting there like I was counting down the months to come back. “How deep in October?” Brown said. “It was definitely on my mind, but… Was I particularly motivated? Yes, sure, but we've both been looking forward to it since we were little kids. It’s just a great opportunity.”

Outside of football, the Browns have found a new way to unleash their competitive edge. They play PGA Tour golf on the XBox, with Sydney admitting he beat Chase. Of course, Sydney said Chase would admit he has the edge in these fights.

The inseparable couple chatted every week but stopped communicating after Tuesday passed. After Sunday they return to their normal routine.

“We always talk about who we’re playing, the key players we’re playing and so on,” Brown said. “It’s just easier to compartmentalize it and not have that conversation because it could lead to us leaking things.”

“But we’re excited, it’s cool. He played a pretty big role there. I'm happy for him and what he can do. But also the chance we have to play against their team. I don't think there's anything more than the Eagles vs. the Bengals. I'll leave it at that.

Sydney and Chase will see each other on the field at some point on Sunday, whether during or after the game. You will make the entire Providence of Ontario and Canada proud, regardless of the outcome.

“I think it’s neat. I think it’s really neat,” Brown said. “I think it’s a big deal for the city. It's pretty cool that we have this opportunity. That doesn’t happen too often, especially with twin brothers.”

“Two children come from Canada. Hopefully a younger generation will aspire to it.”