by Dollita Okine, Face2FaceAfrica.com
Jordyn Tyson is following in his brother’s footsteps. Making history, brothers Jordyn and Jaylon Tyson now share the distinction of being first-round draft picks in two different professional sports.
Jordyn, who attended the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, paid tribute to his brother, Jaylon (a 2024 NBA Draft pick), by wearing “the same exact shoes”—a pair of Louis Vuitton Skate Sneakers in black and white—that Jaylon had worn to his draft.
Jordyn was chosen 8th overall in the NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, following his brother Jaylon, who was selected 20th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Despite the NBA Playoffs preventing Jaylon from attending the NFL Draft to support his brother, the family followed the Cavaliers’ Game 3 against the Toronto Raptors on a laptop in Pittsburgh as they awaited Jordyn’s draft selection.
Jordyn, wearing his new black and gold Saints hat after being drafted, shared inspiring advice with others about pursuing their dreams.
“Life is not easy. Keep going, boy, you got it. You strong, I promise you. You so strong. Just keep going,” Jordyn said, as reported by Good Morning America.
The 21-year-old receiver was drafted at almost the same moment he saw his brother make a 3-pointer during Cleveland’s 126-104 Game 3 playoff loss against Toronto.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running right now,” Tyson said, according to the AP. “I keep getting better. I just want to continue on that track. Work works.”
Jordyn now joins the Saints’ receiving unit, which in 2025 was led by four-year veteran Chris Olave. During a pre-draft visit to New Orleans, Jordyn met and connected well with Olave.
Saints coach Kellen Moore said, “This is a great add to that group,” noting Jordyn’s ability to make plays on deep balls as a wideout, as well as his ability to play as a slot receiver.
Despite his last season being shortened by hamstring injuries in both legs, Jordyn managed to play in nine games for Arizona State. His injury history includes a torn knee ligament that required reconstructive surgery while he was playing at Colorado in 2022. Additionally, a broken collarbone limited him to just three games with Arizona State in 2023.
During that time with Arizona, he caught 61 passes for 711 yards and scored eight touchdowns.
His best season was in 2024, when he achieved 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns.
Despite these past injuries, Jordyn expressed confidence about his health going forward. He attributed this confidence, in part, to recent training with Hines Ward, a former NFL receiver and receivers coach at Arizona State, which has taught him the necessary professional techniques for maintaining his body.
“I’m going to give myself the best opportunity to stay on the field and be as healthy as possible,” he said. “I’m going to do everything in the weight room, do everything with nutrition, I’m going to have a chef. I’m going to get a massage on the same day every week.”
Ultimately, the Saints signed Jordyn because he had great stats, made important plays when it mattered, and showed the New Orleans staff he really understood football.
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