ALLEN PARK — Brothers Graham and Ryan Glasgow will face each other — literally — when the Detroit Lions play at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Graham Glasgow will start at center for the Lions while his younger brother, Ryan, will rotate in at defensive end for the Bengals.
It’s not unprecedented that brothers stand on opposite sidelines in an NFL game. But it has to be rare when they stand across from each other on the field.
It’s also something different for the brothers who both played at the University of Michigan. Graham Glasgow was a third-round pick by the Lions in 2016 while Ryan was drafted in the fourth round this year by the Bengals.
(Photo courtesy of Detroit Lions)
“We were never on different teams it was always like stuff on the driveway of our house or just little things, nothing really like this,’’ Graham Glasgow said on Thursday.
Who was the better basketball player?
“I think I was, he’d say he was. That’s how it is with almost everything,’’ Glasgow said insisting that it really was him.
Their parents will be at the game and he’s not sure how exactly they will divide their support. He’s thinking they might wear a Lions shirt with a Bengals hat or vice-versa.
Who do his parents like best?
“I think I’m the favorite, he actually might say that too,’’ Glasgow deadpanned.
The older brother said he will have no trouble treating his younger brother like he treats any NFL opponent. Even a cut-block?
“Yeah I’d cut Ryan,’’ Glasgow said.
The brothers talk every day, even this week.
“You see what everybody does on film. I know what Ryan did in college. The last time I played against him at all was two years ago (in practice at Michigan). He’s gotten better since then and I’ve gotten better since he played me,’’ Glasgow said. “So it’s just something where you need to gauge where he’s at on the tape.’’
Smart remarks aside, Glasgow said he’s proud of Ryan.
“I’m very happy for Ryan, I think he’s done really well for being a rookie tackle. It’s something that I’m very proud of him and I know our family is proud,’’ Glasgow said.
He thinks it will be fun (although he said to ask him about it after the game) but he’s not so sure his parents and grandparents want to see the brothers go against each other.
They also have a younger brother, Jordan, who plays at Michigan.
Graham Glasgow is the only Lions’ offensive lineman who has been healthy enough to start in every game. He started the season at left guard, but has filled in at center when Travis Swanson (concussion) has been out.
“I’m not going to say it’s easy but I think it’s something that I’ve learned to get better at, I still have to improve on it,’’ Glasgow said. “I still have things I need to get better at center, and a lot of things I need to get better at guard, but it’s something I try to improve on every day every week.’’
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