- Slug: Sports–Melton Brothers NFL, 1,000 words.
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By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News
PHOENIX – In the stands of SHI Stadium, Gary and Vicky Melton wiped away tears.
Their sons, Bo and Max Melton, took the field as teammates for the first time at the collegiate level for Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights walked away with the victory over Michigan State, but the 38-27 final score took a backseat for the proud parents as they witnessed their sons fulfill their football dreams.
Now, four years later, Bo and Max will accomplish another milestone for the Melton family Sunday when the Arizona Cardinals face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Bo, in his second year at wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, and Max, rookie defensive back Cardinals, will face off against each other for the first time in the NFL.
For Max, the matinee matchup against his brother is one he always envisioned before his first NFL snap.
“Since we were little kids, we’ve always been on the same team,” Bo told reporters Wednesday. “During his pre-draft, I remember he was asked, ‘Who are you most excited to play against’?’ And he kept saying, ‘My brother, my brother.’
“It’s going to be an exciting day for our family. This game has been circled on my family’s schedule since preseason. I can’t wait to play against him, see how good he’s gotten, and enjoy this moment with our family.”
Growing up, Max, 22, primarily played wide receiver, but once he got to Rutgers he transitioned to defensive back. He was only lined up opposite of Bo, 25, during the team’s practices.
“Ever since I could talk, really, ever since we played football we were always on offense together,” Max told reporters Wednesday. “It’s really been both of us playing wide receiver. This is the first time since college that I get to line up against him (Bo) as a defensive back.”
While the brothers look to walk away with bragging rights in Green Bay, Wisconsin, their bond has been on full display since they were kids and strengthened as members of the Scarlet Knights. But that close connection started in the backyard of their home in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey.
“We are a big football family,” said Gary Melton Sr., father of the brothers. “I played from youth to college. Max and Bo’s oldest brother, Gary Jr., also played at Delaware State. Our home had plenty of acreage, and I said to myself, ‘I could train these kids to play football in the backyard.’
“And that’s what I ended up doing. They followed in the footsteps of their older brother and I made them compete against each other. In my mind, I thought, ‘OK, iron sharpens iron.’ And let’s make sure we train the right way. And now they have become good football players.”
Gary’s influence on his sons propelled Bo and Max to land with Rutgers, where the family’s ties run deep. Gary Sr. played wide receiver and running back for Rutgers, while Vicky played on the women’s basketball team. During her time with the Scarlet Knights, Vicky was a two-time team captain and helped lead the program to nine consecutive NCAA tournament appearances from 1986-94.
The same work ethic and dedication that helped them achieve their individual athletic feats has now rubbed off on their sons.
“When my boys were a little older, around the time when they were freshmen in high school, I asked them, ‘Are you serious about playing football?’” Gary said. “And all of them answered yes. And I said, ‘OK, great, we are getting up at five o’clock in the morning to go to the gym.’ I knew if they were serious about playing football, they would be waiting in the car.
“They caught on to the idea that playing football at a high level requires preparation. Not only mentally and physically, but also spiritually. Bo and Max caught on and it helped them get to where they are now.”
Bo and Max have admired their eldest brother, Gary Jr. since they started playing football as kids, looking to the former Delaware State defensive back as a source of wisdom and guidance.
“I always told them to have perseverance and to find a way to help your team however you can,” Gary Jr. said. “I believe I helped pave the way for my younger brothers because of the firsthand knowledge they now have of how to deal with different situations.
“From being a student-athlete, dealing with injuries, and going to practice and being fatigued after, it’s all stuff that I’ve experienced. Even now that they’re in the league I’m always willing to help anytime they reach out to me.”
As the game is fast approaching, it’s anyone’s guess whether Bo or Max wins in a one-on-one matchup. Tennessee Titans defensive back Tre Avery, who played with the brothers at Rutgers, might be the best person to ask.
“I’ve watched both of their careers grow,” Avery said. “I was at Rutgers when Max first came as a freshman. He always wanted to go against his big brother whenever he could. The competitive drive they share brings out the best in each other. Bo and Max are super gifted athletes that are fast and competitive.”
In the current NFL season, both brothers have made an impact when on the field. Bo has had limited playing time early on, due to the Packers depth at the wide receiver position, but he has caught two passes for 40 yards. Max has played sparingly as well, recording 11 tackles in five games.
When Gary Sr. and Vicky are watching the game from the Lambeau Field bleacher seats, more tears will likely be shed as they watch their sons compete against one another on the NFL stage for the first time.
“I don’t know who I would pick to win in a one-on-one, it’s really 50-50,” Avery said. “They are very similar players, but I’m leaning towards Max, because we worked together in the defensive back room. At the same time, they are both my brothers. I can’t choose between them.
“It will be fun to watch come Week 6. They are both very competitive. Both of them will give it all they got, because they want to win that matchup.”
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