Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss and his younger brother, Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss, are set to face each other for the first time in their football careers during the upcoming AFC Championship. The matchup marks a significant moment for the Elliss family, as one of the brothers will advance to the Super Bowl.
Rebecca Elliss, their mother, described how the family anticipated this possibility weeks before it became reality. “We definitely started talking several weeks ago that something like this could actually happen,” Rebecca told Patriots.com.
She recounted how she and her husband Luther watched both sons’ games in person over the weekend leading up to the championship. “Luther and I and a few of the kids were in Denver watching that game Saturday, and then Luther flew to Boston on a red eye to be at Christian’s game. I drove home to Utah at like 5 a.m. Sunday morning so I could be home before it started to watch. My daughter probably said it best. She goes, ‘Well, next Sunday is about to be awkward.'”
Christian expressed enthusiasm about playing against his brother: “We’re excited,” he said of himself and Jonah, who is five years younger. “It’s a huge blessing for our family. One of us is going to the Super Bowl one way or another, so we’re excited. For me there’s a little bit of smack talking. We’ll have a little side bet and the loser will be reminded forever.”
This game will not only be their first meeting on an NFL field but also their first time sharing any football field together at any level.
Their father Luther played defensive tackle in the NFL for ten seasons with both Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos and was selected twice for the Pro Bowl. Now coaching at University of Utah, four of his sons—Kaden, Christian, Noah, and Jonah—have followed him into professional football.
Christian previously played against his oldest brother Kaden—now with Atlanta Falcons—and briefly teamed up with Noah while with Philadelphia Eagles; facing Jonah completes another chapter in their sibling rivalry.
“We’ve never played against each other,” Christian said about Jonah. “We’ve never been on the field together at the same time so it’s special to me. I’m so excited to have his jersey and frame that after to have this moment last forever… out of all my moments – Super Bowl, big plays – that’s probably my favorite one so far.”
Rebecca admitted she feels anxious about her sons competing: “I do not like it when they play against each other,” she said. “As a mom, I just hate it… but I think the boys are so close and so grounded and best friends… whoever wins, the other person will be at the Super Bowl supporting them.”
Growing up without ever facing off in sports directly did not stop Christian and Jonah from being competitive—in board games or even decorating gingerbread houses—as Rebecca noted: “They ruin decorating gingerbread houses because it turns out to be a competition.”
For Sunday’s game in Denver, Rebecca plans neutral attire reflecting both teams’ colors while family members wear custom sweatshirts honoring all five Elliss men who reached pro football.
Jonah secured 23 tickets for extended family attending what amounts to a reunion centered around this rare sibling showdown.
“This is an amazing opportunity for them to be together on the field in such a big game,” Rebecca said.
The brothers share mutual respect built over years growing closer as they matured—a bond evident despite childhood tussles or friendly rivalries.
“There’s a few times where I took it too far but he’s one of my best friends in the world,” Christian said about Jonah.”Now he’s my little big little because he is bigger than me…”
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome between Patriots and Broncos—the Elliss family expects reason enough for celebration among siblings who consider each other best friends.
