Sunday’s AFC Championship clash between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots already carries the weight of a trip to the Super Bowl. But for two players on opposite sidelines, this game is personal in a way few matchups ever are.
Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss and Broncos pass rusher Jonah Elliss aren’t just key pieces of their respective defenses - they’re brothers. And come Sunday, they’ll be battling not just for a shot at the Lombardi Trophy, but for family bragging rights that could last a lifetime.
“We’re excited,” Christian said earlier this week. “It’s a huge blessing for our family. One of us is going to the Super Bowl one way or the other.”
There’s a playful edge to the matchup, too. Christian mentioned there’s already been some friendly trash talk between the two, and they’ve even got a side bet riding on the outcome - the kind of bet only brothers could make, with the loser set to be “reminded forever.”
This will be the first time the Elliss brothers have ever faced off on the field. They’ve never played together or against each other before, which only adds to the moment. Christian is already looking forward to swapping jerseys with Jonah after the game - a fitting memento from a day that’s bound to become a family legend.
The Elliss family is no stranger to football glory. Christian and Jonah are two of 12 siblings, and four of them have suited up in the NFL.
Their father, Luther Elliss, carved out a strong career as a defensive lineman, finishing his playing days in Denver. He later returned to the Broncos as a team chaplain in 2015 - the same year the team went on to win the Super Bowl.
So yes, there’s a lot at stake on Sunday. A trip to the Super Bowl, a shot at NFL immortality, and for the Elliss brothers, a lifetime of “remember when” stories at family gatherings.
One of them will be heading to the biggest stage in football. The other will be hearing about it - probably for years to come.