Darryl and Darryn Peterson first brothers to enter NFL, NBA in same year

When the Rams announced their list of undrafted free agents they agreed to terms with, one name should stick out to fans who also follow the NBA.

Darryl Peterson III.

Peterson is the older brother of standout NBA prospect Darryn Peterson, widely considered one of the top two players — alongside BYU’s AJ Dybantsa — available for the 2026 NBA draft.

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After an up-and-down season where Darryn’s character and work ethic were questioned due to random events while at Kansas, Darryn silenced many doubters with a stunning performance at the NBA draft combine this past week.

It was there where he spoke at length with Krysten Peek about his brother Darryl.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but my brother played football at Wisconsin. He’s a really good football player and he just got signed with the LA Rams. We grew up working and having the same dream, different sport and it’s just super cool to see him achieve his and me, hopefully next month, achieve mine. Shout out to our parents. We both worked super hard and they sacrificed so much for us to both chase our dreams. Without them it wouldn’t be possible.”

According to Peek, the duo will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.

While Darryn’s NBA future most likely comes down to Washington or Utah, Darryl will be in Los Angeles trying to make the Rams’ team.

Darryl played in all 12 games for Wisconsin as a senior, registering a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He was named honorable mention All-Big-10 as the Badgers finished 4-8 overall and 2-7 in conference play.