Lakeridge brothers playing football together in rare circumstance

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An obvious question comes to mind when sitting down with Joe and Drew Weiler.

“Have you guys ever encountered another set of brothers who play the positions you two play on a football team?”

The answer is what you would expect.

“No,” replied Drew.

“Not here in Oregon,” Joe followed up with.

Last year was the first time since the duo began playing football in third grade that right tackle Joe Weiler protected the blindside of a quarterback other than his brother, Drew.

The juniors this year though are both starting at their respective positions for the Pacers, so order has been restored—Well, kind of.

“It always turns into this funny jostling of humor and ‘Hey, what are you doing? Are you paying attention? Come on, man,’” said head coach Spencer Phillips of the duo’s relationship. “I always hear like, ‘Dude, you’re my brother. You’re supposed to be able to block that.’”

“If I mess up or step the wrong way, he’ll probably be the one to call me out on it,” said Joe.

“I’ve got to keep him in check, sometimes,” retorted Drew.

The answer to your next question about the brothers and their connection on the football field is, quite simply, yes.

“That twin telepathy. I’m going to say it. He already knows. He’s like, ‘You don’t need to tell me, I got it,’” said Drew of Joe.

“Joe always knows what Drew is going to tell him. Without even Drew having to say anything, it’s always, ‘I already know. I already know. I already know. Don’t say anything. I got it. I’ll fix it,’” said Phillips.

Even though the duo banter, the meaningfulness of the situation isn’t lost on either the 6’5, 260 lb Joe or the 6’3, 205 lb Drew.

“It definitely is pretty special to have your brother behind you and getting to protect him and keep him safe,” said Joe.

“It’s almost like a sense of calmness, knowing I have someone I’ve been with my whole life out there. If he sees me stressed or getting mad or anxious or something, I know I have someone there who will pick up on me,” said Drew. “Just got to cherish these moments because you don’t really realize it until it’s gone.”