Lions tight end Shane Zylstra scored the first touchdown of his NFL career on Sunday, a sliding catch in the end zone. The accomplishment of scoring in the NFL is a grand feat in its own right, but Zylstra was lucky enough to share the moment with his brother, Lions teammate Brandon Zylstra.
Both Zylstras were elevated from the practice squad against the Packers. Brandon, a wide receiver, returned the opening kickoff. Shane was one of the blockers in front of him, making them the first brothers who play on offense to ever take the field together in Lions history.
When Shane scored his touchdown, celebrating with his brother made it extra special.
“The first thing I did was go back to the sideline and embrace with Brandon,” Zylstra said. “He was one of the first people I talked to on the sideline. It was a pretty special moment.”
The bond between the brothers is obvious. Shane talked about the support Brandon has given him on his “unconventional path” to scoring his first NFL touchdown.
“He always knew I’d be here,” Shane said of his older brother. “His belief in me that’s really kept me driven and motivated me to get to this spot. He just said he’s proud and so happy for me.”