Program Feature: Devean and Markis Deal
10/17/2024 8:43:00 AM | Football
TCU renews rivalry with Utah Saturday night
By Kennedy Knisley
For Devean and Markis Deal, football is just one aspect of their brotherhood. Growing up, their bond was built on competition, admiration, and a deep connection, which now carries over as they play on the same side of the ball for TCU.
"Especially when I line up next to him, I know I can trust him to do his job," Markis says. "I enjoy trying to match him, because he's always been competitive. Seeing him next to me, I'm like, I have to make this play before he does, because I know he's going to get there."
The brothers' competitiveness goes back to high school, and now, playing at the collegiate level, it's still fun and motivating. "I kind of took his first sack from him. I got there before he did. But it's competitive, it's fun. Less communication is needed with him because I know he knows what he's doing, and he knows the same for me," Devean adds.
Off the field, the brothers share a different dynamic. While their personalities are distinct, their respect for one another runs deep. Markis always looked up to Devean, learning from him and striving to follow in his footsteps. "Everything he did, I wanted to do. He's taught me a lot and helped me get to where I am today," Markis recalls.
Devean, proud of his younger brother, knows Markis has limitless potential. "He picks up things so quick and is supremely talented. I've always worked hard to set the bar high for him."
Devean, a junior linebacker, started his career at Tulane before transferring in 2024. Markis, a redshirt freshman, plays defensive line for the Horned Frogs.
Their family connection became even more crucial after a car accident involving their sister. The incident was a turning point for Devean, prompting his transfer from Tulane to TCU to be closer to his siblings. "I understood at the end of the day, it's God's plan. So, I wanted to get to a situation where I could spend more time with my family."
The accident also changed Markis' perspective. " I remember the crash – the car tumbling over, and just thinking about my little sister. I took being close to home for granted. Now, I try to spend more time with them, even though I'm nearby. Family time is everything."
For the Deal brothers, football at TCU is more than just a game. It's a way to grow together, strengthen their bond, and make lifelong memories as brothers.
For Devean and Markis Deal, football is just one aspect of their brotherhood. Growing up, their bond was built on competition, admiration, and a deep connection, which now carries over as they play on the same side of the ball for TCU.
"Especially when I line up next to him, I know I can trust him to do his job," Markis says. "I enjoy trying to match him, because he's always been competitive. Seeing him next to me, I'm like, I have to make this play before he does, because I know he's going to get there."
The brothers' competitiveness goes back to high school, and now, playing at the collegiate level, it's still fun and motivating. "I kind of took his first sack from him. I got there before he did. But it's competitive, it's fun. Less communication is needed with him because I know he knows what he's doing, and he knows the same for me," Devean adds.
Off the field, the brothers share a different dynamic. While their personalities are distinct, their respect for one another runs deep. Markis always looked up to Devean, learning from him and striving to follow in his footsteps. "Everything he did, I wanted to do. He's taught me a lot and helped me get to where I am today," Markis recalls.
Devean, proud of his younger brother, knows Markis has limitless potential. "He picks up things so quick and is supremely talented. I've always worked hard to set the bar high for him."
Devean, a junior linebacker, started his career at Tulane before transferring in 2024. Markis, a redshirt freshman, plays defensive line for the Horned Frogs.
Their family connection became even more crucial after a car accident involving their sister. The incident was a turning point for Devean, prompting his transfer from Tulane to TCU to be closer to his siblings. "I understood at the end of the day, it's God's plan. So, I wanted to get to a situation where I could spend more time with my family."
The accident also changed Markis' perspective. " I remember the crash – the car tumbling over, and just thinking about my little sister. I took being close to home for granted. Now, I try to spend more time with them, even though I'm nearby. Family time is everything."
For the Deal brothers, football at TCU is more than just a game. It's a way to grow together, strengthen their bond, and make lifelong memories as brothers.
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