This study examines factors that contribute to multiple brothers playing in the NFL. It will focus on three families that have had three or more sons play in the NFL: the Gronkowski family with four brothers, the Fuller family with four brothers, and the Watt family with three brothers. The study will use qualitative interviews of players, families, coaches and others to understand how upbringing, training, inspiration and other resources impacted the brothers' success. It aims to provide insight on how parents can optimize their children's success in higher-level sports.

1. The Factors that Contribute to Multiple
Brothers Playing in the NFL
Meghan Klein
Research Proposal APSM 5300
Sport Management
Monday, March 24th 2017

2. BACKGROUND
10 teams: 4 states 32 teams: 22 states
1920

3. BACKGROUND
6.7% 1.6%
1 MILLION+
players
~16,175
players
~1,856
players

4. BROTHERS
■ 373 sets of brothers in the NFL
■ 3 families with 4 brothers…
– Gronkowskis, Fullers and Browners
■ Why now? Why these families?

5. SUCCESS IN SPORT
1. Motivation
2. Effort
3. Resources
■ Upbringing
■ Diet
■ Training regime
■ Inspiration
■ Personal dedication/mentality
■ Coaches/team
■ Place of birth

6. PURPOSE
■ This study is designed to examine and
explain why certain families are able to have
success in the National Football League and
what factors lead to multiple brothers
playing in the NFL

7. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
■ RQ1, How does parent involvement and upbringing
factor into multiple brothers making it to the NFL?
■ RQ2, What role does birth order and family
makeup play in the likelihood of success?

8. METHODS
■ Study Population:
– 3 families with 3 or more NFL sons
– All have played in the National Football League min.1 year
(exception TJ Watt)
■ Dan, Chris, Rob, and Glenn Gronkowski
■ Vincent, Kyle, Kendall, and Corey Fuller
■ JJ, Derek, and TJ Watt

9. The Watt Family
JJ, Derek, TJ

10. The Gronkowski Family
Dan, Chris, Rob, Glenn

11. The Fuller Family
Vincent, Corey, Kyle, Kendall

12. STUDY DESIGN
■ Case study
■ Qualitative interviews
– Players, parents, family, siblings, coaches, trainers,
teammates, teachers etc.
■ Secondary sources
– Photographs, video tapes, menus, training programs

13. SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Why did you decide to pursue football?
2. What was a typical diet for you as a child?
3. How did your parents impact your interests?
4. Describe your athletic experiences growing up
5. When did you train with your brothers and why?
6. How did your brothers playing football impact your game?

14. SIGNIFICANCE
■ This study will help parents raise their children in
a way to optimize their success at a higher level
■ It will help understand the impact of treatment,
training and socialization of siblings on their future
success in sport

15. ANALYSIS
■ Deductive and inductive reasoning
– Compare contrast answers
– Common themes/trends