Jordyn Tyson, a former standout wide receiver from Arizona State University, has made headlines after being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, held on 23 April. His selection, eighth overall, marks a significant moment not only for his personal career but also for his family, as he and his older brother, Jaylon Tyson, have become the first siblings to be drafted in the first round of two different professional sports.
While Jaylon, a shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, was selected 20th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, this year’s NFL Draft saw Jordyn join him in the annals of sports history. This unique achievement brings together both football and basketball in the Tyson household, highlighting the family’s athletic prowess.
In an exclusive interview on the red carpet at the Draft in Pittsburgh, Jordyn shared his excitement about the life-changing news. He expressed his intention to inform Jaylon about his selection during a break in the latter’s playoff game. As the Cavaliers faced the Toronto Raptors in Game 3 of their first-round series, Jordyn said, “Hopefully we can talk at halftime of his game or something, but it’s going to be real nice.” The timing was serendipitous, as the Cavaliers were in the midst of a playoff campaign, despite suffering a significant loss on the same night.
Jaylon has been a source of invaluable guidance for his younger brother throughout the draft process. Jordyn reflected on the piece of advice he received: “Yeah, just having that fine medium between the ebbs and flows… Just being yourself through it all, continue to work your tail off through it all, and that’s all you really can do. Just focus on yourself.” This sentiment shows the strong bond and mutual support between the brothers as they navigate their respective careers in professional sports.
When asked who he would like to thank for his achievements leading up to this moment, Jordyn quickly highlighted the influence of his brother. “My brother couldn’t be here tonight. All things in me, instilled work ethic in me at a young age would not be here without him, 100%,” he acknowledged, demonstrating the profound impact Jaylon has had on his life.
Family remains a priority for Jordyn, who revealed plans to invest a portion of his NFL rookie contract into building a family home. “Probably buy a house and then all the family can live there, whatever they want to do,” he explained. With Jaylon residing in Dallas, Jordyn hopes to establish a space that can accommodate their extended family, allowing them to remain close as they pursue their individual careers.
The first night of the 2026 NFL Draft attracted an impressive turnout, with over 320,000 fans flocking to Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Point State Park. The events included festivities at Acrisure Stadium, showcasing the city’s dedication to celebrating American football and its athletes.
The top pick of the night was Fernando Mendoza, a former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback, who was chosen first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. In a poignant moment, he received the call from the Raiders back home in South Florida, surrounded by his supportive family, including his mother, Elsa, who lives with multiple sclerosis.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to continue, with the second and third rounds commencing on 24 April, culminating in the final selections on 25 April. The spotlight now shifts to the next wave of aspiring professional football players, many of whom will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the Tyson brothers and realise their dreams on the grand stage of American football.