If you are a fan of American football, you might have heard of two players with the same last name: Mike Singletary and Devin Singletary. Mike is a former linebacker and coach who played for the Chicago Bears and led them to a Super Bowl victory in 1985. Devin is a young running back who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills and has shown great potential in his first three seasons. But are they related by blood or just by name? Here is what we found out.
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Mike Singletary: A Legendary Linebacker and Coach
Mike Singletary was born on October 9, 1958, in Houston, Texas. He started his football career at Baylor University, where he was a two-time All-American and won the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy as the best player in the Southwest Conference. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft and played for them for 11 years. He was known as the “Heart of the Defense” and was a key member of the famous “Monsters of the Midway” defense that dominated the league in the mid-1980s. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler, an eight-time All-Pro, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and a Super Bowl champion. He retired after the 1992 season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
Mike Singletary began his coaching career in 2003 as a linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. He then joined the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator in 2005. He became the interim head coach of the 49ers in 2008 and was hired as the permanent head coach in 2009. He was fired after the 2010 season and later coached for the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, Memphis Express (of the Alliance of American Football), and Trinity Christian Academy (a high school team). He is currently an advisor for Baylor University’s football program.
Devin Singletary: A Rising Star in the NFL
Devin Singletary was born on September 3, 1997, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He played high school football at American Heritage School, where he led his team to two state championships. He then attended Florida Atlantic University, where he played for three years under head coach Lane Kiffin. He was one of the most productive running backs in college football, setting school records for rushing yards (4,287), rushing touchdowns (66), and total touchdowns (67). He also won several awards, including Conference USA MVP, Boca Raton Bowl MVP, and First Team All-Conference USA.
Devin Singletary declared for the 2019 NFL Draft after his junior season and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round. He has been a valuable contributor to the Bills’ offense since his rookie year, sharing carries with veteran Frank Gore in 2019 and Zack Moss in 2020 and 2021. He has amassed 2,332 rushing yards, 691 receiving yards, and 11 rushing touchdowns in his first three seasons. He has also helped the Bills reach the playoffs in each of his seasons, including an appearance in the AFC Championship Game in 2020.
The Verdict: Are They Related?
According to various sources, Mike Singletary and Devin Singletary are not related by blood or by marriage. They just happen to share a common surname that is fairly common among African Americans. They also have different backgrounds and origins. Mike was born and raised in Texas by his parents Rudell and Charles Singletary, while Devin was born and raised in Florida by his parents Sabrina Clark and Devonn Singletary Sr.
The closest thing to a family connection between them is that Mike has a nephew named Vantz Singletary, who is also a football coach. Vantz has coached at various colleges and professional teams, including Hawaii, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Memphis Express, and Trinity Christian Academy (where he worked with his uncle Mike). However, there is no evidence that Vantz and Devin have ever met or interacted.
Mike also has a son named Matt Singletary, who played college football at Baylor University (like his father) and California Polytechnic State University. Matt tried to make it to the NFL as a defensive end but did not get drafted or signed by any team. He then pursued a career in acting and writing. Matt is not related to Devin either.
So there you have it: Mike Singletary and Devin Singletary are not related in any way, shape, or form. They are just two talented football players who share a name and a passion for the game..