The Pittsburgh Steelers are off on Sunday, but they'll have a very interesting battle continuing when they come back to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe on Monday afternoon. The Steelers have competitions brewing for a variety of positions, but one competition has a particularly complicated dynamic.
Defensive tackles and twins, Carlos Davis and Khalil Davis are battling it out for a roster spot when final cuts are made on Tuesday, August 30th. The twin brothers made history at the University of Nebraska by being the first two set of brothers selected in the same NFL Draft.
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Khalil Davis possesses a Super Bowl ring after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of 2020 NFL Draft and dressing in two games that season. Khalil's career was put on hold after the Buccaneers cut him in Week 4 of last season, he was then added to the Indianapolis Colts' roster for the team to just cut him about a month later. The Steelers added him to their practice squad in November and then re-signed him to a future contract. Now, he's battling it out with his twin brother for a roster spot.
In a media session following Saturday's practice via Ray Fittipaldo and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Davis brothers spoke with reporters about their experience being on the same NFL team.
“It’s awesome,” Khalil said stated in the article. “It’s a different experience because it’s his team. I came to add to the team. He’s showing me the ropes and helping me through the process of how they play here and what it’s like be a defensive lineman here.”
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“We've always been close, but I think football brought us closer,” Carlos said about the relationship with his brother. “It teaches so many life lessons, and we get to do it together. That's the best part.”
The Steelers seem to have a thing for reuniting brothers. Since running back Trey Edmunds, older brother of strong safety, Terrell Edmunds, was cut before the start of training camp, the team now only has three sets of brothers on the team including TJ Watt-Derek Watt, Cam Heyward-Connor Heyward, and the Davis twins. However, none of the other sets are competing directly against each other for a roster spot like the Davis twins are.
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“It’s a very tricky experience, but I know who he is,” Khalil said about his brother Carlos. “We’re both just trying to get better. If we can both get better and we help each other get better, it will end up good for both of us.”
Khalil Davis knows how important technique is on any defensive line in the NFL and he appreciates the emphasis Steelers defensive line coach, Karl Dunbar puts on technique.
“To play in this league, your technique has to be better than your talent because everyone has talent at this level,” Khalil said. “The thing I appreciate here is Coach Dunbar and how he teaches guys to use their hands. The guys here are so sound with their technique. I knew if I didn’t step up with my technique, I wouldn’t have a shot. I put the pressure on myself to use my hands every day. It’s been paying off, and I appreciate that.”
What are yinz thoughts on this Steelers sibling rivalry that's a pure battle for a coveted roster spot? Let us know in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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