It's one thing for brothers to play on the same professional team, but Chris and Nick McDonald's story is one that's straight out of Hollywood.
The McDonalds, who grew up in Michigan, were adopted by separate families after their mother died some 15 years ago. Nick went on to play at Grand Valley State, while Chris suited up for Michigan State. While both had stellar collegiate careers as guards, neither was drafted.
Nick signed with the Green Bay Packers, where he played for one year before getting cut. He was picked up by the New England Patriots in 2011, and he's worked his way up to the starting lineup.
Chris, who is also a guard, went undrafted after starting 39 games at Michigan State. He recently signed with the Patriots, bringing the McDonald brothers together once again.
"My brother is [an inspiration]," Chris told reporters. "But it's on me. My brother being in the NFL is not going to help me stay in the NFL and I have to do whatever it takes for myself."
Chris is facing long odds, as he is one of 19 undrafted free agents at the Patriots' mini-camp. If he was to make the team, however, he and Nick could be the first offensive lineman brothers to be on the same roster since Stacy and Shawn Andrews played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009. That year Shawn Andrews was out for the entire year, and the brothers never played together.
